Let me say right up front that I'm not much of a mechanic. It's just not my thing. Still, I've learned a few dos and don'ts over the years about how to save money on big motor repairs and avoid lost fishing time. Here they are:
1. Change your lower unit grease.
This is something that's easy and inexpensive. Almost any angler can do it at home. It'll cost you maybe $10 or $12 and can save thousands in future repairs. I change mine frequently. Check your owner's manual and never go past what they recommend. In fact, I'd suggest doing it a little sooner. Make sure you keep the seals on all the screws.
They can fall off easily, and you'll never notice they're gone unless you look. Make sure you check the old grease for water or foreign material, too. A leaky seal can be repaired inexpensively if you catch it early. Catch it late, and you'll have real trouble.
2. Remove and check your prop frequently.
3. Check every bolt and nut from time to time.
Under normal conditions, I do this about once a week. If I'm running in rough weather, however, I do it every day. Start at the jack plate and work your way down until you're lying on your belly on the parking lot. Believe me, it's worth the effort.
A loose bolt or nut can cause everything to vibrate and shake. Over the years, I've seen motors fall apart because of this, and I can't tell you how many transoms have been cracked because of a shaking motor. That's stuff you can prevent with a wrench in just a few minutes.
4. Do not self-repair nicks and chips in your prop.
Props turn at incredible speeds. If they are even slightly out of balance, they'll shake and vibrate and eventually cause serious damage to your motor. Take your prop to a highly experienced professional and pay the freight. I know that's not cheap, but it's worth it in the long run.
5. Stay away from the electrical system.
In my mind, there's no exception to this one. Modern motors are seriously complicated. They aren't something the average guy can fool with. If you mess it up, you can end up costing yourself more money before everything's over. And remember, there are computer chips in your motor that will tell them what you've done. It doesn't matter how carefully you put everything back together, they'll know, and you'll pay the price.
6. Do not change your own plugs.
Not everyone will agree with me on this, but I think you're better off having a shop change your plugs. Most of them are hard to reach and many require a special tool. In my mind, it isn't worth it. If you do change them yourself, be careful. Don't tear something else up in the process. That's easier to do than you might think.
