newbie engine question

[KylefromNJ]

Hi guys,

just bought a used pontoon with a tiny 8hp 4 stroke high thrust 2007 yamaha longshaft engine. The guy told me that he just puts premium gas from gas station. I understand that for 4 stroke there is no gas/oil mixture needed, but aside from the annual oil change (like a car engine), does the boat engine need any other oil for it to run?

Any other things I should pay attention to?

I attached couples of the engine.

Thanks.

[badmoonrising]

Other than crankcase oil, that's it for the motor. I'd tune it up, change the lower unit gear oil and change the engine oil and filter once a season.

[NonHyphenAmerican]

In addition to changing the oil and the lower unit lube, make sure and open the vent on the fuel can so that the fuel pump diaphragm doesn't fail. Pumping fuel with the vent closed will do that. Don't ask me how I know.

Also, just like any other outboard, ensure that the water cooling pump is discharging water out the pee hole. Don't run the motor if it's not in water or doesn't have "Muffs" in place and a charged hose attached.

[KylefromNJ]

thanks guy.

another question, non motor related:

some of the seats are in serious bad shape. I see on pontoonstuff.com they sell the fabrics, but I did some research and it looks like even if I buy the fabrics there's some expert level sewing required.

Any suggestions on what can be done to fix the cushions? (obviously besides buying all brand new seating )

[MH Hawker]

Use some 409 or simple green or some thing like that, you will be surprised how well they will clean up. Open a beer and go boating.

I am on a limited hp lake so you get used to going slow, in fact its more enjoyable its a lot easier while driving lol you throw it to WOT open a beer and enjoy the ride.

[badmoonrising]

Looks like you have just one seam that came apart, and yes try some simple green first. The seam can be re sewn.

[rancherlee]

Great engines, but the carburetor is very easy to get plugged up if you let E10 gas sit in them for an extended period of time. If you use E10 gas I'd disconnect the fuel hose and let the engine run out of gas when you put it away for the day. Otherwise run 100% Dino gas and only run it dry at the end of the season. I have the 9.9hp version of that engine as a kicker on my pontoon, VERY fuel efficient, 3 gallon tank will troll for days.

[mobldj]

spray 9 from west marine or online and a mr clean sponge will do wonders,just don't rub crazy with the mr clean sponge.