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You've invested in an outboard motor to enjoy your favorite water activities, but have you ever noticed a lack of power ? It can be frustrating and affect the performance of your motor.
Over the course of this article, we'll look at the most common causes of outboard motor power loss.
Be prepared to know everything to keep its maximum power !
How long does an outboard motor last ?
The life span of an outboard motor depends on several factors such as usage, quality of maintenance, quality of construction, etc. In general, it can range from 5 to 15 years, but this can be extended with regular and proper maintenance. It is important to note that it also depends on the number of hours of use, the type of use (freshwater or sea), the quality of the fuel used, etc. Therefore, regular maintenance is recommended to keep your boat's engine in good condition and extend its life.
The outboard engine does not take in turns
You notice that your boat's outboard motor does not pick up its revolutions when you operate the throttle. No acceleration occurs.
The possible cause is a control box power fuse, which is often the cause of this problem on newer electronically controlled engines. If you are using a cable to control the throttle, it may be stuck or cut. If the cable is stuck, the throttle will be difficult to move. If the cable is cut, it will be very loose. If the cable is jammed, look for the jammed area and remove it. In the second case, make a temporary repair. In either case, it is best to return to the port to make a more permanent repair.
To avoid this type of problem, regularly check the tightness of the transmission ends and grease the points vulnerable to corrosion. It is also important to grease the entry and exit points of the cable from its sheath.
The most common causes of outboard motor power loss
Outboard motors are often used for fishing, water sports and ocean trips. However, when their power starts to decrease, it can become a real problem for boat owners. Therefore, it's important to understand the most common causes so you can take the necessary steps to prevent and resolve problems quickly.
Fuel supply problems
Engine efficiency depends on a number of factors, loss of power from your boat's engine can, in some cases, be related to fueling problems :
- A clogged fuel filter.
- A lack of fuel.
- Poor quality fuel.
Cooling problems
Outboard engines are exposed to high temperatures during operation, which can lead to certain failures if the cooling system is not in good condition. The most common causes are :
- Inadequate cooling : If the cooling system fails to remove heat from the engine, the engine can overheat. This can be caused by a lack of water or a defect in the cooling system, such as a faulty pump or a clogged radiator.
- A leak in the cooling system : Leaks in the cooling system can cause a drop in pressure and a loss of cooling. They can be caused by faulty hoses, loose connections or cracks in the engine block. Leaks can also lead to a loss of coolant, which can compromise the engine's ability to remove heat.
Cooling problems are a common cause of power loss in outboard engines. It's important to regularly monitor your boat's cooling system to make sure it's working properly and to have it checked by a professional if there are any problems.
What you need to remember
Afin de minimiser les problèmes de perte de puissance d’un moteur hors-bord, il est important de l’entretenir régulièrement. Ce manque de puissance peut être causé par une variété de facteurs, allant de l’usure des composants à des problèmes d’alimentation en carburant ou de refroidissement. Si vous souhaitez plus d’informations, consultez notre article sur les 10 étapes d’entretien d’un moteur de hors bord qui nécessitent de consulter un professionnel. Veillez à bien garder en tête qu’un entretien régulier est l’élément clé pour minimiser ces problèmes et prolonger la durée de vie de votre moteur !
Did you know ? Boatngo also offers engine diagnostics at the right price !
