A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words

In Photo 1 we are looking inside a fuel injector from an Evinrude G2 with approximately 300 hours of operation. The engine had a water fitting leaking near the cylinder from a pressure sensor. The customer brought it in for regularly scheduled service and we noticed the excess salt and mineral build up around the edges.

Two items of interest here are the carbon buildup on the injector tip and the salt that has accumulated around the exterior shell within the body. The salt, left unchecked over time, can work its way into the sealing surface of the injector causing either an external fuel leak or causing the injector to become stuck to the cylinder head. We talk often about the benefits of using fuel additives and it is rare that we get to see or show the results from lack of usage.

Carbon buildup causes hot spots around the piston and cylinder walls and when left unchecked builds up on the injectors. When this happens fuel flow can be reduced and engine performance will be greatly affected.

This leak was detected because the customer brought the engine in for a regular service visit. We believe service should be scheduled annually or every 100 hours of operation. Engines that are not operated 100 hours per year should be serviced every two years. Regardless of outboard brand, salt and ethanol are two critical factors to guard against. Removing the engine cowl regularly for visual inspection to detect leaks and corrosion can provide money-saving results.

Thank you, and have a great summer.

Chris Mapp
Coastal Bend Marine | Port O’Connor, TX
www.coastalbendmarine.com | 361-983-4841