Shop Yamalube Lubricants & Corrosion Inhibitors

Yamalube Lubricants & Corrosion Inhibitors

TL;DR: If you want your Yamaha outboard to last season after season, Yamalube lubricants and corrosion inhibitors should be part of your maintenance routine. Whether you're cruising saltwater or freshwater, these products help guard against outboard motor corrosion, rust, and wear—especially on internal systems and exposed metals.

YamahaOnlineParts.com carries a full line of Yamalube lubricants and corrosion-fighting sprays made specifically for Yamaha outboards. Yamaha has developed corrosion prevention solutions specifically designed to protect against outboard motor corrosion in both saltwater and freshwater environments. These are the same formulas used by pros and dealerships—no gimmicks, just reliable protection. Yamashield forms a durable barrier on exterior metal, while Yamalube Silicone Protectant & Lubricant keeps electrical terminals and rubber fittings in solid shape over time.

We’ve seen firsthand how quickly a motor can start to degrade when left unprotected—saltwater, rain, even damp air can do damage faster than you'd think. That’s why we always recommend staying ahead of corrosion, not playing catch-up later. These products were designed to make that easy.

To help you care for your Yamaha OEM parts and accessories using Yamalube products, we also offer helpful resources, including:

Yamalube Corrosion Inhibitors and Lubricants FAQs

Why is Yamaha outboard corrosion prevention important?

Outboard motor corrosion can affect everything from your engine’s cooling passages to its electrical connections. Even freshwater environments aren’t safe—moisture and mineral buildup don’t care where you’re boating. If you’ve ever pulled off your cowling and found powdery residue or pitting on aluminum parts, you know how fast this can happen.

YamahaOnlineParts.com is a trusted source for OEM parts and corrosion solutions. Products like Yamashield spray help coat exposed surfaces, and silicone-based protectants keep electrical components clean and dry. Making this part of your regular routine can seriously delay wear and tear.

I’ve had it happen before—a lower unit sat idle for too long after a rainy weekend and came out looking like it aged a decade. Lesson learned. Since then, I keep a can of Yamashield handy and use it often. Takes five minutes, saves a fortune.

What’s the best way to prevent outboard motor corrosion year-round?

Flush your Yamaha outboard with fresh water after each use—yes, even after lake runs. Salt, silt, or muck will all cause problems if left sitting. Apply Yamashield or Yamalube Silicone Protectant to metal surfaces, wiring, and connectors. Keep an eye on your sacrificial anodes and replace them before they’re totally gone. A little maintenance here and there goes a long way toward long-term performance.

What is “Dry Corrosion”?

Dry corrosion usually attacks areas that aren’t directly exposed to water—like the inside of the exhaust system. Today’s ethanol-blended fuels produce sulfur-based salts when they burn, and those salts become especially corrosive under heat. Without regular flushing, those salts collect and break down internal surfaces from the inside out.

If you’re not already flushing your outboard after every use (especially in saltwater), this is your sign. Just 15 minutes with a hose could prevent years of slow internal decay.

Why should I flush my Yamaha outboard after running in freshwater?

Even freshwater can leave deposits in your motor. It’s not just about salt. Lakes and rivers carry sediment, minerals, algae, and bacteria that can clog or coat internal cooling systems. And the hotter the engine gets, the more likely those impurities bake in. A simple flush after each use clears that mess out before it causes lasting problems. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s completely worth it.

What are the three types of outboard engine corrosion?

There are three major types boaters deal with:

Basic electrochemical corrosion (metal reacting with water and oxygen)
Galvanic corrosion (from contact between dissimilar metals)
Stray current corrosion (from electric systems grounding improperly)

Galvanic corrosion is especially common—it happens when parts like aluminum and stainless steel are in contact, especially underwater. The aluminum takes the hit and starts to erode. If you’re seeing paint blisters or white powder near your trim tab or anti-ventilation plate, this could be the culprit. Using the right anodes and maintaining electrical isolation will go a long way toward stopping it.

How do I flush my Yamaha outboard with fresh water?

You’ve got two solid options:

1. Built-in flush port: Great if the boat is docked or in the water. Just screw on a garden hose, open the valve, and let it run (engine off) for about 15 minutes.

2. Flush muff method: Ideal when the boat is on a trailer. Wrap the muff around the water intakes, connect the hose, and run the motor in neutral (under 900 RPM). You want water streaming out strong while it runs. This flushes both intakes and circulates clean water through the full system.

What is galvanic marine corrosion?

This happens when dissimilar metals—like stainless steel and aluminum—are touching each other in water. Together, they form a battery-like reaction where one metal (usually aluminum) starts breaking down to protect the other. That’s why Yamaha uses sacrificial anodes. These inexpensive metal pieces are designed to corrode first, shielding your vital parts.

If your anodes are heavily worn or missing altogether, you’ll likely start seeing corrosion where you don’t want it. Keep paint sealed, inspect contact points, and check your wiring. Staying ahead of galvanic corrosion is all about monitoring the small stuff before it becomes expensive.

How can I tell if my outboard motor is corroding?

Look out for paint peeling or bubbling, white crusty powder on aluminum, or sluggish cooling. Some boaters also notice odd noises or reduced performance. If anything looks or sounds off, inspect more closely. Clean what you can, and spray Yamashield on any exposed surfaces. The sooner you catch it, the easier it is to control.

Taking care of your Yamaha outboard isn’t complicated—but it does require consistency. Whether you’re dealing with salt spray, muddy water, or just humidity, corrosion can creep in. Products like Yamashield, Yamalube Silicone Protectant & Lubricant, and Yamalube Battery Terminal Cleaner & Protectant give you an easy way to stay ahead of the curve. Find them all at YamahaOnlineParts.com.