Although these pre operstional safety checks are for a 4 stroke honda outboard they are relevant to most other small outboards.

l.  Engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and service life. Nondetergent and low quality oils are not recommended, because they have inadequate lubricating properties. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage. Use Honda 4-stroke oil or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. and European automobile manufacturers’ requirements for Service Classification SF CC/CD or SG. Motor oils classified SF CC/CD or SG will show this designation on the container. -20 0 20 40 60 80 100°F , , Select the appropriate viscosity for -30 -20 -10 o IO 20 30 40″~ the average temperature in your area. SF CC/CD or SG low-30 is recommended for general, all temperature use.

a) Position the outboard motor vertically, and check the oil level in the oil level inspection window. b)  If the oil level is down toward the lower level mark on the window, fill up to the 0.4 e (0.42 U.S. qt.) mark on the dipstick.

2. Fuel Level Remove the filler cap and check the fuel level. Refill the tank if the fuel level is low. NOTE: Open the vent knob before removing the fuel filler cap. When the vent knob is firmly closed, the cap will be difficult to remove. Your engine R‘s +esigned to use any petrol that has a pump octane number (- ) of 86 or higher, or that has a research octane number of 91 or higher.

Petrol pumps at service stations normally display the pump octane number. We recommend that you use unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends the life of exhaust system components. Never use stale or contaminated petrol or an oil/petrol mixture. Avoid getting dirt, dust or water in the fuel tank. Use of a lower octane petrol can cause persistent “pinging” or heavy “spark knock” (a metallic rapping noise) which, if severe, can lead to engine damage.

Note: If “spark knock” or “pinging” occurs at a steady engine speed under normal load, change brands of petrol. If spark knock or pinging persists, consult your authorized Honda dealer. Failure to do so is considered misuse, and damage caused by misuse is not covered by Honda’s Limited Warranty. Occasionally you may experience light spark knock while operating under heavy loads. This is no cause for concern, it simply means your engine is operating efficiently.

Fuel tank capacity: 1.0 P (0.26 U.S. gal.)

FUEL FILLER CAP FUEL TANK.  After refueling, be sure to tighten the fuel tank cap firmly.  Petrol is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where petrol is stored.  Do not overfill the tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.  Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapour may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapour. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

3. Other Checks Check the following items. @ Propeller, shear pin and cotter pin. Check for looseness or damage.

@ Steering handle. Check for impaired operation.

@ Stern bracket. Check for damage.

@Tool kit. Check for missing spare parts and tools.

@ Anode metal. Check for looseness, damage or excessive corrosion. The anode metal helps to protect the outboard motor from corrosion damage; it must be exposed directly to the water whenever the motor is in use. Replace the anode metal when it has been reduced to approximately one half of its original size. Note:’ The possibility of corrosion damage increased if the anode metal is painted over or allowed to deteriorate.

Note: To prevent damage to the outboard from overheating, never run the engine with the propeller out of the water.

1. Open the fuel cap vent knob 2 to 3 turns. FUEL CAP VENT KNOB FUEL FILLER CAP

2. Turn the fuel valve lever ON. FUEL VALVE LEVER

3. Move the throttle lever to the START position.

THROTTLE LEVER Note: Do not start the engine with the throttle lever in the FAST position, or the boat will move suddenly when the engine starts.

4. In temperatures below 2O’C (68” F) use the choke knob. CHOKE KNOB

5. Pull. the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.

Note: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the housing; return it gently by hand to prevent damage to the starter.

STARTER GRIP

6. After starting, be sure water is flowing out of the water check hole. CAUTION: If water does not flow out, or if steam comes out, stop the engine. Check to see if the screen in the cooling water inlet is obstructed. Do not operate the engine until the problem has been corrected.

7. If the choke was used, push it in gradually as the engine warms up.

CHOKE KNOB  Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas; exposure can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death. Never run the engine in an enclosed area. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation. Be careful not to spill any fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

Whether you have an inboard or outboard engine it will need a good thorough service before using it this coming season. With the recent increase in VAT everything is going to cost more. So looking for value for money products and services is now more vital than ever before. Spend some time doing your research before deciding to purchase a product or service.

On ebay there are various products and services that offer value for money. You can access them using this link to outboard motors.

Practical boat owners also appreciate tools both hand and power that can make life a bit more easier when doing the annual maintenance. During the winter that little tool that was given as a present at Christmas can prove very useful! Even reading about ways to improve your vessel is interesting, so not only books but nowadays, cds and dvds are a really great Christmas present.

Two years into this recession means that most boat owners are used to making every penny count. Value for money in gifts for the family and friends is important. But that does not mean that the funny and silly Christmas gifts need to be ignored! Making someone laugh when they realise what they have unwrapped on Christmas morning is a great tonic for these difficult times.

So if you want to see what the top Christmas gifts for practical boat owners are for 2010, then click here.

Larger outboards in the Mercury range are called the Optimax. Again they are well known for their fuel efficiency and are packed with additional features. Quietness is also a quality these Mercury outboards have as an advantage over rival outboards.

Larger still is the Verado supercharged Mercury outboards with superb power, smooth running and quietness combined with fuel efficiency. All Mercury outboards are tested extremely well in their Quality Assurance programme and are often offered with a 5 year warranty as an option.

To find out if new and nearly new Mercury outboards are for sale in our auction follow this link.