Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 5

Fly Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles two states, Tennessee and North Carolina, and has some of the country’s best streams for fly fishing. Brook trout are native to the waters and brown and rainbow trout were added later to the area and have thrived. Recent droughts have triggered tighter restrictions on fishing in the park, but it still a must-see for avid fishermen and women.

If you’re looking to capture trophy fish, then Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn’t for you. The fish in the park are smaller – having adapted to their environment – but it is the terrain and degree of difficulty in catching some of the more elusive species that makes the site such a big draw. Although you can fish from dry land, you should still bring your boat, and plenty of boat motor oil, to try out some of the waters in and around the park.

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More Essential Yamaha Outboard Tools

Yesterday we detailed a few Yamaha outboard tools all responsible owners should have on hand. In continuing in that vein, boat owners should also carry extra spark plugs and a spark plug tool. On site swaps are not too difficult for a regular DIY-er.

Fluids, again, not strictly tools, are essential. You will want to have power trim and tilt fluid, like Performance Power, to ensure the prop shaft works properly. Yamalube 2W oil or Yamalube 4M oil, depending on what type of outboard motor you have, is necessary for proper motion and extending the lifespan of a motor. You may want to stock up on gear-case lubricant, too.

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Essential Yamaha Outboard Tools

To keep your Yamaha outboard running smoothly, there are several essential tools you should have in your shed. Take, for instance, a multimeter. The small, handheld tool is used to check electrical connections. It will help identify where problems stem from.

Stabilizer, conditioner, and battery protector are also important items to have in your possession, particularly if you use your outboard in extreme climates. Stabilizer and conditioner protect against ethanol damage, as well as fuel degradation. The battery protector does exactly what its name implies. Though not strictly a tool, responsible boat owners should always have extra lubricant, like Yamalube 2M oil, on their shelves.

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Installing a Water Pump, Part II

Once you’ve drained any remaining water from the hoses, you will want to remove all the bolts that hold the water pump to the block, and then carefully remove the pump. Scrape the old gasket off the engine block.

Find your new gasket and gasket sealer. Apply the gasket sealer to one side of the new gasket, then align the holes of the gasket with the water pump, and finally press the new gasket against the pump. Seal the exposed side with more gasket sealer. Put the new water pump into place, replace and hand-tighten the bolts. You can re-use and re-install the old drive belt pulleys and old hoses on the new water pump (provided neither is damaged). Don’t forget to check to see if the Yamalube 2M needs topping off!

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Installing a Water Pump, Part I

For the most part, a water pump will last the lifetime of the motor itself; however, if you do hear whirring or grinding noises, it may be time to replace the water pump. Replacing a busted water pump is not too difficult for the average handy-man or woman. You will need a set of wrenches, a socket wrench set, new water pump, a water pump gasket, gasket sealer, and possibly new hose clamps. While you’re gathering supplies, you may also want to pick up some Yamalube 2-M oil.

Begin by locating the petcock valves on either side of the engine block. Open up a valve or two to drain out the water. Locate and loosen the bolts on the belt pulleys and then remove the belt. The hose clamps should also be visible; remove any water that may still be lingering in the hose connecting to the damaged water pump.

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The River of No Return

“River of No Return” – has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? In truth, the river is formally known as the Salmon River and it is located in Idaho. It got its ominous sounding nickname because the river’s current was so strong that boats could travel down river, but not back up.

The River of No Return also happens to be one of the best places for salmon fishing in the northwestern United States. Historically, 45 percent of steelhead, spring and summer Chinook salmon found in the originate in the Salmon River. I’ve fished there a few times myself with great success. While ordering your Yamalube 2 cycle oil online, you may also want to browse for information on fishing the River of No Return.

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Winterizing Yamaha Jet Boat, Part I

Knowing how to winterize watercraft is part of being a responsible boat owner. Today and tomorrow we’re going to focus on how to winterize a Yamaha jet boat. To complete the winterization process, you will need: stabilizer fuel treatment, fogging oil, water hose, flush hose, antifreeze, desiccant plugs, and ArmorAll.

Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank of the jet boat prior to its last run of the season. After the outing is over, add another bottle of fuel stabilizer and fill the tank with fuel. Using the water hose, flush the engine for about 30 minutes. Make sure the engine is running when you flush the system, so as not to damage any cylinders. We’ll pick up here tomorrow. You can use the time between posts to make sure you have all the necessary materials, including plenty of Yamaha outboard oil.

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Repairing a 2-Stroke Float Valve

The float valve is an essential component of any outboard engine because it controls the level of fuel present in a carburetor’s float bowl. If the levels are incorrect, the engine may flood out or starve for fuel. Repairing and adjusting a  is fairly simple.

Start by turning the carburetor float bowl upside down, so the float hangs free. Using a six-inch machinist’s ruler, check to see if the float is correctly set. If not, bend the small metal tab between the hinge and body of the float, so that is lies at the correct level. Don’t forget to check the levels of Yamaha oil when you’re done tinkering with the float bowl!

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Pre-Thanksgiving Activities

I hope all you readers had a great Thanksgiving! It’s a tradition in many families to play football before the big meal. It’s a time of family bonding, but more importantly (according to my wife) it keeps the kids and men-folk out of the kitchen while the women finish preparing the meal.

Since we’re a boating family, we usually forgo football and head for the water. This year we took out two outboard motors. The teenagers earned the right to drive the boats by demonstrating to us “old timers” that they knew how to prep the boat by checking the Yamaha 2S oil levels and whatnot.

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Fishing in Arkansas, Part II

Another fish my uncle is partial to fishing is catfish. Generally I’m not a fan of catfish – their ugly faces are so off-putting – but they do taste excellent when fried just right. Arkansas offers many lakes for catching catfish, including Lake Atalanta, White Oak Lake, and Lake Hinkle.

Of course, the biggest catfish can be found in the might Mississippi river. World-record big channel, blue, and flathead catfish are bountiful in the river that runs the length of Arkansas’ eastern border. I’d love to fill a boat up with Yamaha 2M oil, head out on the Mississippi River, and catch some big catfish!

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Fishing in Arkansas, Part I

My favorite uncle was an Army brat who grew up on base in Arkansas. Though he now lives on the East Coast, he often travels back to Arkansas to visit family and childhood friends. When he’s out there, he likes to take advantage of the excellent fishing.

His favorite places to fish for walleye include Bull Shoals, Norfork lakes, Eleven Point, and Lake Greeson. To date, the world-record walleye weighed in at 22 pounds, 11 ounces, and was caught in Greers Ferry Lake in March 1982. Perhaps I’ll get to join my uncle on his next trip. I may not be an expert fisherman, but at least I know how to check to make sure the level of XD1 Evinrude ETec outboard motor oil.

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East Coast Trout Spots

As anyone who has ever caught a trout can tell you, it is an exhilarating feeling. For our East Coast readers, here are two spots that you should definitely check out. First, is Roscoe, NY, aka Trout Town USA. Beaverkill River and the Willowemoc River flow through town and provide stunning wild brown and rainbow trout.

State College, PA, home of Pennsylvania State University, is also a prime trout fishing location. Creeks and rivers fed by cool streams surround the area, making it a prime location for trout to live, breed, and be caught year round. Wherever your destination, make sure your boat engine has plenty of two cycle outboard oil.

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