Outboard motors are some of the best devices that you can get if you are interested in going out for fishing trips. This is because these allow people to move across water easily and quickly.
The model of the outboard that you purchase also plays a huge role in the performance you will get.
This is why it is recommended that you take your time when purchasing one of these devices. The process allows people to avoid problems and ensure that the device can last them a long time.
Though, even the best outboard motors can start running into issues if not taken care of.
If you’re struggling to get the desired performance from your outboard, it is a good option to rely on a monthly maintenance cycle.
That way, you’ll be able to extend the lifespan of your outboard motor while also increasing the overall performance.
On the other hand, if you ignore the maintenance requirements, then there is a good chance that your outboard will run into issues within a few short years.
Recently many users have come forward with questions on whether or not you can lay an outboard motor on its side.
If you’re also confused about the same thing, then the following details should help.
Can You Lay An Outboard Motor On Its Side?
While you should avoid laying the outboard unit on its side most of the time, there are some situations where it is acceptable to store the unit in this manner.
In the majority of situations, users ignore following the proper procedure while storing their outboard, which can lead to issues with the functionality of the motor.
It is pretty common for water and fuel to leak into other sections when the outboard is not upright.
So, you’ll need to keep this information in mind when you’re trying to store the outboard over the winter. Your first priority should be storing the outboard in an upright position.
However, if you don’t have the capacity to store this unit in the upright position, then you can lay it on its side after taking care of a few factors beforehand.
These procedures include removing all the water from the outboard along with old fuel.
Similarly, it is a good idea to flush the cooling system and ensure no liquid is left in the system. After that, you won’t have to worry about anything leaking inside the motor when you lay it on the side.
To get specifics on the flushing procedure, make sure to reach out to the local experts or call customer support. That way, you’ll be able to secure professional guidance on managing your outboard.
With that said, if you don’t drain the water and fuel from the unit and lay the outboard motor on its side, then you’ll run into any issues when you take the motor out of storage.
So, if you don’t wish to spend hundreds of dollars in purchasing replacement components, then it is best to avoid laying an outboard motor on its side with fluids inside it.
Aside from this, some people might question if the outboard motors can be laid on their side while transporting them.
When it comes to this, it is recommended that you only transport 2-stroke outboards on their side. These can be tilted on either side without running into any issues.
Though it is still better if you don’t keep them tilted on one side for a long time as this can cause problems.
On the other hand, when it comes to 4-stroke outboards, people recommended that you only lay them down on the filter side.
If you don’t do this, then there are numerous problems that you can run into and these will be quite annoying to deal with.
In some cases, people can even get damages on the outboard which can cost a lot of money to fix. This is why it is much better that you follow the information provided above and keep a check over your outboard at all times.
This should ensure that problems can be avoided.
Maintenance of the outboard is also necessary if you want the device to last you a long time without any issues.
To Conclude
All in all, we advise that users shouldn’t store an outboard motor on its side.
It is true that the engine takes up a lot of space when you try to store it in an upright position, but if you don’t follow this method, then liquids inside the motor will leak into other sections.
So, if you wish to keep the electrical units in perfect condition, then it is a good option to avoid laying the outboard motor on its side.
For more information, make sure to contact customer support for your outboard brand, and they will guide you better on the storing procedures.
Another great thing about the support team is that it provides people with all the information required regarding any problems they can run into.
When it comes to this, you should note that the first thing that should be done is providing the team with all the details about your issue.
The team might ask you some further questions regarding the problem so make sure that you answer these carefully.
In most cases, answering these allows the team to isolate your issue so that they can provide you with the correct troubleshooting steps.
If these don’t work, then you will have to send your outboard back to the brand for repairs. This is where the warranty service kicks in as it can be used to get free repairs and replacements.
Keep in mind that you first have to check if the warranty service is still active or not.
The warranty service can be checked by going through the guidelines provided. If your issue is mentioned here, then you can claim the service.
However, if the problem is not mentioned here then you will have to pay for the repairs and replaced parts which can be quite annoying.