Buying Guide
Outboard motor servicing and spares
An outboard that gets rinsed, greased and serviced on schedule will outlast one that only sees a workshop when something breaks. Here is what routine care involves and where to get parts.
After every trip
- Flush the cooling system with fresh water, especially after salt water.
- Rinse the exterior and wipe down the powerhead.
- Check the water telltale ran properly while the engine was running.
- Tilt the engine to drain, and store it in the recommended position.
Regularly
- Inspect and replace the fuel filter and check fuel lines for cracks or leaks.
- Check and change gearbox oil, looking for a milky colour that signals water ingress.
- Inspect the propeller for damage and clear fishing line from the shaft.
- Check and replace anodes before they are consumed.
- Grease steering and tilt points, and check the spark plugs.
- Replace the water pump impeller at the interval in your manual — it is cheap insurance against overheating.
Follow the intervals in the manual supplied with your engine; they take priority over any general advice here. Service intervals differ between two-stroke and four-stroke diesel models.
Common spare parts
- Water pump impellers and gaskets
- Spark plugs and fuel filters
- Propellers and shear pins
- Anodes
- Gearbox oil and lubricants
- Control cables and starter components
Where to get service and parts
Africa Marine supports its engines through a dealer network for sales, spares and service. Use a dealer for warranty work so the service record stays intact. Find a dealer or send us an enquiry with your engine model.
Common questions
- How often should an outboard motor be serviced?
- Follow the interval in your engine's manual, which is set by running hours or elapsed time, whichever comes first. Between services, flush the engine with fresh water after every trip and check the gearbox oil, propeller and anodes regularly.
- Do I need to flush my outboard after every use?
- After salt water, yes — flushing with fresh water is the single most effective thing you can do to extend engine life. After fresh water it is still good practice.
- Where can I get Africa Marine spare parts?
- Through the Africa Marine dealer network. Contact us with your engine model and location and we'll direct you to the nearest dealer for spares and service.
Need a recommendation?
Tell us about your boat and how you use it, and we'll point you at the right engine and a dealer near you.