With time on my hand, it is time to learn how to service my own outboard engine. I'm not very trusting of some of the local outboard engineers locally. When I had to replace the fuel tank last year because it had cracked around the filler cap area - several I approached for a quote told me it was a complicated job and would cost in the region of £150 to get the tank and fit it.
I did it myself and the tank cost £80, the job took 15 minutes flat and was easy peazy! £70 saved. I'm going to teach myself how to service the outboard and change the oil as well.
For this I need to build a stand.
As I grow older, I'm conscious that carrying the outboard down the steep drive or carrying it up the steps to the back garden area where there is a large dustbin full of water, becomes slightly harder. So maybe it is time for a stand on wheels that can also have a smaller bucket of water and a hose pipe supply for when I want to test or flush the engine through.
So far, a quick internet search shows that these seem to be the popular DIY stands. I have plenty of 10cm x 4cm lumber and some 20cm x 45cm as well. So I guess I can make something. Some scrap 9mm ply could make corner/leg braces as well.
I just have to decide what design to go with now.............................. comments, observations and suggestions welcomed as always
I did it myself and the tank cost £80, the job took 15 minutes flat and was easy peazy! £70 saved. I'm going to teach myself how to service the outboard and change the oil as well.
For this I need to build a stand.
As I grow older, I'm conscious that carrying the outboard down the steep drive or carrying it up the steps to the back garden area where there is a large dustbin full of water, becomes slightly harder. So maybe it is time for a stand on wheels that can also have a smaller bucket of water and a hose pipe supply for when I want to test or flush the engine through.
So far, a quick internet search shows that these seem to be the popular DIY stands. I have plenty of 10cm x 4cm lumber and some 20cm x 45cm as well. So I guess I can make something. Some scrap 9mm ply could make corner/leg braces as well.
I just have to decide what design to go with now.............................. comments, observations and suggestions welcomed as always
I'm favouring this one at the moment but I haven't worked out why yet
The dimensions of my outboard are as follows:
Postscript One:
A number of people on different FaceBook forums very kindly sent me these photographs below of designs they had built - so some more thinking to do and my grateful thanks to them for their help
Postscript 2
Lots of people on Facebook have been recommending using an old sack trolley - you used to find them on station platforms and they are frequently used by van delivery drivers. I've taken a look at them and I can see why - put a piece of wood across the top between the handles and you have a portable outboard engine carrier; you can stand them upright with outboard attached and its lower part in a large bucket etc. I could get one off Facebook Market Place for around £30 second hand or a new one from Screwfix for around £35.
But, I've got lots of timber lying about....and......I need a project....... and I like making things even if they never turn out as I planned or expected .......... I'm leaning to the one above where I have the plan images...........
5 comments:
They all look good, I like the bottom one as it seems to have plenty of room to work around the lower leg if necessary.
Working on outboards is pretty easy - tip every time you remove a bolt or not grease it when you reassemble - will stop it corroding for next time.
Go for it
hi Max - hope you all well in the BB household. Yep _I'm leaning towards the bottom two more and more and principle of KISS - which I never manage to achieve - as I am blessed with this unique ability to over-complicate the simple :)
I've got the marine grease ready to go. I'll get this built ready for my inevitable period of self isolation........go carefully my friend - stay safe and healthy in the BB household.
I was thinking I needed to do the same just the other day, so publish your plan and I will build as well.. :o)
Larger wheels will make it easier to move than casters!
anonymous - thanks for the tip - good thought
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