Newbie Outboard Question

[darrenmel]

Hey Guys!! Im gonna get a pic up real quick here LOL I am a total newbie at the pontoon life which also means Im a newbie at the outboard also!! LOL I traded a 21 foot Hawaiian jet boat for my 24 foot Lowe toon ....I have a couple questions about the out board I have a Yamaha 50 2 stroke pushing my toon, I understand how to change the oil but what kind of lube do I use on the prop shaft?? Can I use the same grease as I use on my trailer bearings? Please forgive these questions Im totally new at this !! also since Im not sure when it was serviced last should I change the fuel filter also?? Thanks for the help !! Its GREATLY appreciated!!

[Ron Burgundy]

What year is your motor? I have a 05' Yamaha 50HP 2 stroke.

[darrenmel]

Geez not even sure the year!! How do you tell??

[Ike]

Find the serial number on the engine. You may be able to look it up on line, but for a safe bet go to a dealer, show him the ser no. He'll tell you the year.

OH yeah, you should use the lube recommended by the manufacturer. Ask the dealer or look it up on line.

[darrenmel]

Ok...its a 86 Yamaha 50 two stroke

[IMHB]

When you pull your prop, always coat the prop shaft with blue wheel bearing grease.....it's works great.

If you don't have the blue stuff...any kind of grease,
is better than NOTHING...

Good Boating to you,

HARRY

[bassn386]

Darren, I'm not jumping on you, but you said you know how to change the oil. If this is a 2-stroke you don't change the oil. You either pre-mix it in the fuel (either 50:1 or 100:1 ratio of gas/oil) or it goes in a separate tank where it's automatically mixed, depending on what it came equipped with. Several of my neighbors who have older model outboards have lost the VRO on the outboard and now have to pre-mix, so you should check that out if you haven't already.
Check around to see if there is a fuel/water separator. It could be cylindrical and hanging between the fuel tank and the motor. If so, change it out/have it changed.

[Ron Burgundy]

He may be referring to his lower unit oil???

[Bamaman]

Like it's been said, the blue axle grease is the best, but any ole grease will work. It's not a big deal.

As far as the fuel filter, I would absolutely change it. Also pay close attention to the fuel line--making sure it's in good shape. Nothing worse than a dry rotted fuel line sucking air.

While you're at it, spend the $7.50 for new spark plugs--any national auto parts store can fix you up. It might take you 3 minutes to change'em. While you're at it, buy a second set of plugs to keep in the boat, as you'll eventually use them.

Depending on how old the motor is: There's nothing worse than a rubber water pump impeller disintegrating into pieces due to old age--and burning up a motor. Dropping the lower unit is really a quick and easy job once you get the hang of it. Then, replace the lower unit oil--another easy job often overlooked.

Fuel from boat docks is extraordinarily expensive. I use two Tempo 12 gallon plastic fuel tanks, and transport fuel myself. I pay close attention that none of my gas tanks have trash in them, and I flush them if there is.

Then, you can go to the lake without concerns.