IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN YOUR VESSEL IN GOOD WORKING ORDER TO AVOID MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS.   Operating Problem Possible Causes Motor won’t start Fuel tank is empty Supply line is disconnected Throttle not in Start position Loose spark plug Selector not in Neutral Motor starts but not easily Gas level too low Air inlet of tank is closed Fuel line is bent Primer bulb not pressed enough (should be firm) Choke valve not operating properly Fuel contaminated by water or impurities Loose spark plug wire Spark plug dirty or improper spark gap Engine requires a tune up Motor running in fits and starts Water or impurities in fuel Idle mixture adjusting needle of carburetor requires adjustment Spark plugs are defective (see above problem) Propeller not turning Debris caught in propeller Selector not in drive Shear pin broken Motor vibrates Fastening clamps are not properly tightened. The propeller is unbalanced. Motor suddenly stops Fuel tank is empty No oil in fuel (two-stroke engine) Loose spark plug Cooling water intakes obstructed or the water pump defective     Pre-Season In Season Post-Winter Fuel tank Do not use tainted oil Keep clean and dry Mix proper proportion of oil and fuel. Ensure that fuel is free of humidity Drain completely Fuel line Check condition of hose (cracks, poor connections) Check for leaks Empty Gas filter Check and clean Check and clean Check and clean Motor     Store upright Starter cord Change if worn     Wires Check condition of wires (cracks, slack, corrosion)     Spark plugs Clean and correct spark plug gap; change as required Look for signs of spark plug fouling and humidity Maintain motor in good condition Clean spark plugs and correct spark plug gap as required. Dismantle Cylinders Check pressure   Protect interior of cylinders with rust-proofing Blow out cylinders Moving parts Lubricate all moving parts Lubricate every 60 days Lubricate Motor base Empty oil pan and refill with new gear oil Repeat after every 100 hours of operation or at least once per season Empty oil pan and refill with new gear oil Cooling system Clean conduits Ensure that openings are free of plant material Desalt certain models in fresh water after salt water use Desalt in fresh water Drain water completely by activating starter cord after disconnecting spark plugs Propeller Sand or file cracked surfaces Check condition regularly Check whether repairs are required Exterior Clean and touch-up paint as required If motor is used in saltwater, repaint with rust-resistant, anti-mildew paint. Treat with zinc pain Keep clean Clean and touch-up paint as required