outboard service or maintenace

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DryDock

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10 Jun 2010
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Hi everyone, I recently bought a small Shetland with a 20hp outboard.
We took her out on the Thames and I noticed that the motor was wagging from side to side at low rev, slow walking pace. but when you add more power and cruise at a brisk walking pace it is a lot smoother and doesn’t wag. Does it need a service, or is that normal behaviour? It doesn’t seem that happy going very slow.

happy to tinker with it if it just needs some adjustments

Any advice appreciated

Cheers
 
Should be ok. If two stroke then it will do that because they do not like ticking over, and could maybe do with some replacement sparkplugs. If its a four stroke then on the throttle lever inside the cover there will be a little stopper screw which might need adjusting so the tick over raises. You could do this for a two stroke aswell if you are really worried.
 
Hi thanks for your reply

It’s a 2 stroke, so I will get some new plugs for it. It looks good as it is really clean under the cover like it’s never been used.
Make model is a Volvo Penta. i think its about 30 years old maybe and little used.

Cheers
 
You might want to have a look at the fuel filter aswell then. It should just be a little clear container that unscrews or undoes by a bolt. There should then be a coffee like filter in there that could do with cleaning.
Glad to help
 
For a motor new to you it is worth reading http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

You say it is a VP. VP dropped out of the outboard market around 1980, maybe a little earlier. No proper supply of spares now.

You say 2 stroke what fuel/oil mixture are you using.

By oil change you mean the gearbox oil. If what's in there is not clear and bright it indicates water ingress. God knows if you'll get seals to fit ... I dont!
 
Hi,
Will look at that link.
I have the manual and it states 2% oil.
So I use unleaded and rated 2 stroke outboard oil.
Yeah the gearbox oil.

It starts on first pull and appears to run fine.
It looks in mint condition, when open top cover it looks like a new engine.

Cheers
 
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