Service and Maintenance
Woodbine Marine Hamilton is where you will find our purpose built fit-out and service centre and team of factory trained mechanics who can look after your servicing needs all year round.
1. What does it cost for an engine service?
Please call or email mark@woodbinemarine.co.nz for a quote.
2. How often am I meant to service my motor?
If you have purchased a new, or near new Motor we suggest you check with the manufactures service guidelines, as all new engines come with factory warranty. Some offer longer warranties than others. To comply with warranty the engine manufacture will supply scheduled interval times. Four stroke engines usually come with the following service intervals
• 3 months or 20 hours (whatever comes first)
• 1 Year or 100 hours (whatever comes first)
• 1 Year or 200 hours
• 1 year or 300 hours and so on.
In most cases to comply with factory warranty, under the warranty period, authorised service agents should be used. Please refer to your manufacture guidelines
3. How do I know I’m not buying a lemon?
It is recommended that a pre-purchase inspection is performed by an Authorised Service Agent. An inspection will provide an overall condition report on the craft.
4. What happens if my outboard has taken on water?
Depending on how the water has been introduced into the engine, but the first thing to check is the fuel tank/tanks. Most cases of water in fuel related issues are due to water finding its way into the fuel tanks. If this is the case, the water will need to be decanted from the fuel, in which it is suggested fresh fuel is replaced into the fuel tank. Depending on the volume of water which has been introduced, fuel lines to the engine may also need to be bleed, which we recommend your Authorised Service Agent is booked for this procedure. It is a very common procedure for underfloor tanks to have a fuel separator filter installed between the fuel tank and the engine which will catch traces of water. Portable fuel tanks too can have this filter installed.
5. If I lose my keys to my motor how do I get a replacement set?
Most keys have a number on the key itself, so it always pays to have this number noted, the number can be given to your local Authorised Dealer for a replacement.
If you can’t find a number, or you don’t have the keys, the barrel of the ignition may need to be removed in which case there will be an identification number there for a replacement key.
6. Why can’t I service my engine myself?
While a lot of minor maintenance can be done at home there are many aspects like computer diagnostics that a non-authorised agent won’t have access too. Authorised Agents have trained technicians which have many years’ experience specifically unique to servicing engines.
7. What is the most common cause of breakdowns?
Believe it or not, the majority of failures are introduced to your vessels motor. Common failures are things such as battery failure, bad wiring/faulty connectors, bad fuel quality, water in fuel, or engines which haven’t had regular maintenance. All of the above are all routine checks carried out at servicing intervals.
8. How important is flushing my motor?
Unfortunately, salt water is a very destructive environment. Whilst different manufactures specify different methods, the end goal is the same, to remove the salt from the cooling system. Always flush your motor with fresh water. Please see your manufacture guidelines for correct flushing procedures.
9. How can I protect my investment?
You can create yourself a pre-checklist.
You can have a visual inspection of the vessel
You can check the Oil levels
You can check that the batteries charged?
If you are going on a road trip, does the trailer have a current WOF, do the lights work, and are the wheel bearings in good condition.
DON’T leave servicing to 2 Days before Christmas, as by chance you will not be able to get a booking as most marine companies will be in fully booked out weeks in advance at this time of year.
10. How reliable are modern day Engines?
Well maintained vessels are as reliable as your car.