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Outboard Motor Life: How Long Will They Last?

Mar. 15, 2024

Whether you have an older boat and an old motor or a new one, it's important to know how much your outboard motor will deliver before it gives out. From maintenance to aging to model, there are many factors that can affect the life of an outboard motor.

On average, an outboard motor will run for about 1,500 hours or 7 to 8 years. Each outboard motor will be different, but if you continue to maintain and take care of the motor, it can last much longer.



How long they'll last


So, let's take a deeper look at the lifespan of these outboards. "The number of hours a boat engine runs depends heavily on the amount and quality of maintenance performed over the years."

Maintenance isn't the only way to keep an outboard running. If an outboard is used every day, it is more likely to last longer. Users in marine forums say that a well-used and well-maintained engine will last longer than one that sits and is not used or maintained. An engine with 400-500 hours of use over 5 years will probably be more reliable than an engine with 20 hours of use over 5 years.


Outboard Motor Life: How Long Will They Last?

                                                                CG C SERIES COLORFUL OBM ----BLUE 20HP OUTBOARD MOTOR 




What causes outboard failures


Outboards are known to have problems and can break, not simply wear out. That's why outboards last longer if they are cared for and maintained. When outboards sit idle without much use, or if they are used without being inspected, they tend to have several problems. So, what are those things that can go wrong?



The appearance of the oil


The appearance and level of your oil is something that needs to be constantly maintained. When checking your oil, you must check several things. The first thing that must be checked is the oil level. There always needs to be enough oil in the motor to keep it running and to avoid any problems. In addition to this, the consistency of the oil needs to be checked.



Electrical problems


If there is a problem with the outboard, a common suspicion is an electrical problem. Check the batteries and connections to make sure everything is connected and free of corrosion. If the battery is dead, recharge it promptly. If the battery does not start despite being charged, check the throttle position and make sure all battery connections are secure and free of corrosion.



Temperature problems


The outboard is cooled by water, which means that if the system fails for any reason, the outboard is at high risk of overheating. It is important to be aware of these issues, as temperature problems are also a common problem with outboards.

If there is no water flowing through the "notice" valve, the cooling system has stopped and immediate action is required.


Outboard Motor Life: How Long Will They Last?



Fuel Flow


Another common suspect for outboard problems is fuel flow issues. Be sure to fill the tank before leaving and check for leaks and blockages during routine maintenance.

When the outboard won't start or sputters but you have gasoline, check the fuel lines for clogs or leaks.


Marine fuse box


Oil level is too high - this is likely an indication that water has somehow gotten into the oil. If this happens, the oil will have a "milky" appearance. If the oil is too high and milky, it is critical that it be repaired as soon as possible.

Oil level is too low - If the oil level is too low, this could be a sign of an oil leak. If this continues, the motor may eventually seize. This will eventually lead to corrosion and cause the oil to start leaking.




There are also differences in the life span of gasoline outboards and diesel outboards. Gasoline outboard engines typically last a solid 1500 hours after maintenance. The first 1000 hours are said to be without any problems. At 1000 hours, it will start to show some minor problems. As for diesel outboards, they have about three times the life expectancy of gasoline outboards, with a life expectancy of about 5,000 hours. Some can work for up to 8,000 hours if they are specifically maintained well.


CALON has 19 years full experience dating back to 1999, which is also the development history of outboard motor in China, and we have launched 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motors from 2hp to 60hp successfully. Production managers have accumulated 7 years experience in outboard production, which ensures CG products with the high quality and advanced technologies. Please click the button and get in touch with us.


Outboard Motor Life: How Long Will They Last?