11-12-24 REELLIFE digital - Flipbook - Page 11
same part number. But if in
one year, more than 50% of
the anode has been lost to
corrosion or you are seeing
excess corrosion on the
protected equipment it is
a good idea to increase the
size of the anode or consult
someone that specializes in
boat corrosion protection.
You should add a fuel
stabilizer with each fill-up.
If you do not, make sure
you add it before longterm storage. Add the
stabilizer and then top off
the tank. Check hydraulic
fluid levels of any steering
or power tilt/trim units. Use
your motor manufacturers’
recommended products
and do not top off or mix
the various manufacturers'
products.
Often overlooked, your
winterization routine
should include changing
the lower unit oil. There are
several reasons for doing
this before the big freeze
sets in. If there is any water
in your lower unit it can
freeze and damage the
unit. It also gives you the
opportunity to evaluate
the condition of the lower
unit. If the gear lube is
milky a seal has been
compromised. The water
can freeze and/or corrode
the internal components
which may result in major
damage. Check the lower
gear casing plug; it is
magnetic and designed to
collect metal shavings. A
few shavings are OK, but
if there is a Magic Rocks
cityscape of shavings
growing on the plug you
have some level of gear
failure brewing. It will need
to be repaired before you
put it back in service.
While we’re thinking
about lower units, have
you paid attention to your
pee stream lately? No not
that one, that’s a whole
different article. Check your
motor’s telltale pee stream.
If it is weak or you haven’t
changed the water pump
in the last two years the
components should be
replaced.
Pull the propeller and
check the shaft for fishing
line or damage. Remember
to lay all the nuts, washers,
sleeves, or adaptors out in
the same order they came
off the shaft. Maybe even
take a picture or two. This
makes reassembly much
easier. Take a look at the
propeller, if the blade edges
are showing an excessive
number of nicks/dings,
now might be the time to
send it in to be rebuilt. Even
slightly damaged blades
will affect performance
and running a boat with
severely damaged blades
can lead to all kinds of
shaft/seal problems down
the road.
