Warming an outboard up

[boater1234]

I have a curious question on warming an outboard up.What i wanted to know was how long does it take a 15hp 2stroke yamaha or any outboard if (it's the same time)to be 100%properly warmed up in both the cold weather and warm weather.I have heard about 20 different times like 1 min,3min etc but does anyone have an idea of how long it needs to be just right to go before hitting the throttle as in full throttle?

For hot and cold temps.Also does a 4stroke differ from a 2stroke in warming them up?Plus can you actually let it run for to long at idle warming it up were it would do damage or once broke in you can let it sit running for as long as needed without huting the motor?Thanks for any info.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Warming an outboard up

Outboards really don't need any warm up. BUT -- that does not mean you fire it up and hammer down. You can move slowly away after a cold start (warm or cold water) but just be a little patient. A minute or two either at idle or moving slowly (1/4 throttle) is fine. Even car owners manuals tell you it is not necessary to warm the engine up but in the same paragraph they tell you just go easy for a minute or two.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Warming an outboard up

my 2003 yamaha 150 2 stroke's manual says let it warm up a few minutes. first time I've seen or heard that. Can't imagine a couple of minutes can hurt. too much idling fouls the plugs.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Warming an outboard up

There is no real answer because it will always be different, obviously it will take longer if it is 40 out and less if it is 80-90.

I have figured that if the engine will idle it is warm so I run mine for a minute at high idle then drop it back to idle and move off slowly for a coupld hundred yards then go to wot.

I think the biggest thing is to not just start it and take off, as long as it warms alittle it is fine.

Was at the launch once and the guy in front of me puts his boat in starts it and whacks the throttle and goes flying down the river with his rig still on the ramp leaving me and my buddy to wonder if he is coming back or not.

About 5 minutes later he comes screaming up to the launch and jumps out,"Sorry, had to warm it up you know", I would be suprised to find out his boat is still running.

 

[aerobat]

Re: Warming an outboard up

it is like here written always a good idea to have the engine at operating temperature when asking for full power, regardless 2 or 4 stroke, out or inboard or any other kind of combustion engine. i personally start the engine and leave the dock without excessive idling, but i am easy on the lever and never firewall it in the first minutes.

at inboards you have mostly a temp gauge, my 150 ficht has just an overheating light, so its always a guess when its properly warmed up.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Warming an outboard up

I usually start my motor when I first set foot in the boat, and with it idling I check my equipment, anchors, dock lines, fishing tackle, PFD's, etc....by then it's "warmed up"...My Yamaha Owners Manual mentions "warming up" motor for a few minutes "can help extend the life of the motor"....probably just good practice!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Warming an outboard up

Robert, that's good practice, do same about placing gear + some sun block application while engine warms up, then throttle enough to be on plane, once completely warmed up open throttle, only use full throttle to plane faster if more loaded and then back 1/2 to 3/4. If you heat a 2 strokes too much at idle engine will rattle a bit when giving gas, as plugs will have not reached near best temp to burn oil deposits on tip. In winter definitely will need more warm up time than in summer.

Happy Boating