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Maintenance
OUTBOARD EXTERNAL FINISH
Your outboard’s upper and lower engine cov-
ers use molded-in color technology, providing
a deep, durable gloss with maximum ultravio-
let (sunlight) protection.
The high gloss finish will show polish marks
when viewed closely in certain light condi-
tions. This glossing is NORMAL.
Periodically, wash the entire boat and out-
board with soapy water and apply a coat of
automotive wax. Leave the engine cover in
place when washing the outboard.
When trailering your out-
board, DO NOT cover the engine with can-
vas—it will dull the finish of the
outboard’s engine covers.
SCRATCH REPAIR
Surface scratches on the upper and lower en-
gine covers can be polished out with buffing
compound.
Treat affected areas using these steps:
1) Sand the affected area with 800-grit sand-
paper.
2) Wet sand the area with 1200-grit sandpa-
per.
3) Using a composite material buffing com-
pound, polish the area, closely following
the product directions.
Your Dealer has the profes-
sional materials to properly repair scratch-
es. Do not attempt to paint over marks or
scratches in the composite material. See
your Dealer to repair any deep scratches
or gouges.
SPARK PLUGS
Spark plugs should be serviced by an
Evinrude E-TEC Dealer. Incorrect spark plug
maintenance can lead to engine damage.
Replacement spark plugs
MUST be indexed correctly.
Marine Engine Duty Cycles
The International Council of Marine Industry
Associations (ICOMIA) Standard No. 36-88
specifies a marine engine duty cycle based on
documented studies. A duty cycle is a profile
of engine running and usage. This duty cycle
is used to determine average spark plug lon-
gevity and maintenance requirements for
Evinrude E-TEC outboards.
Some running profiles and
conditions can lead to spark plug wear
sooner than expected. Depending on your
specific usage, the spark plug mainte-
nance schedule may require adjustment.
SUBMERGED OUTBOARD
If your outboard has been under water, have
it serviced immediately upon recovery. If
immediate service is unavailable, resub-
merge it in fresh water to avoid prolonged ex-
posure to the atmosphere.
After submersion, all boat and engine electri-
cal, fuel, and oiling systems must be inspect-
ed for signs of water intrusion. Your Dealer
should perform this service.
A CAUTION
The ignition system presents a serious
shock hazard. Use caution to avoid
injury from shock or injury resulting
from your reaction to shock. Do not han-
dle primary or secondary ignition com-
ponents while the engine is cranking or
running.
ICOMIA Marine Engine Duty Cycle
Engine Speed as
Percentage of Rated
Speed (RPM)
Time at Specified RPM
(Percentage of total
engine running time)
IDLE 40%
40% 25%
60% 15%
80% 14%
100% 6%