Throughout this publication, Dangers, Warnings and Cautions (accompanied by the
International HAZARD Symbol
concerning a particular service or operation that may be hazardous if performed incorrectly
or carelessly. OBSERVE THEM CAREFULLY!
These Safety Alerts alone cannot eliminate the hazards that they signal. Strict compliance
to these special instructions when performing the service, plus Common Sense operation,
are major accident prevention measures.
) are used to alert the mechanic to special instructions
DANGER
DANGER - Immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal injury or death.
WARNING
WARNING - Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD result in severe personal
injury or death.
CAUTION
Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor personal injury or product
or property damage.
Notice to Users of This Manual
This service manual has been written and published by the Service Department of Mercury
Marine to aid our dealers’ mechanics and company service personnel when servicing the
products described herein.
It is assumed that these personnel are familiar with the servicing procedures of these
products, or like or similar products manufactured and marketed by Mercury Marine, that
they have been trained in the recommended servicing procedures of these products which
includes the use of mechanics’ common hand tools and the special Mercury Marine or
recommended tools from other suppliers.
We could not possibly know of and advise the service trade of all conceivable procedures
by which a service might be performed and of the possible hazards and/or results of each
method. We have not undertaken any such wide evaluation. Therefore, anyone who uses
a service procedure and/or tool, which is not recommended by the manufacturer, first must
completely satisfy himself that neither his nor the products safety will be endangered by the
service procedure selected.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the
latest product information available at the time of publication. As required, revisions to this
manual will be sent to all dealers contracted by us to sell and/or service these products.
It should be kept in mind, while working on the product, that the electrical system and ignition
system are capable of violent and damaging short circuits or severe electrical shocks. When
performing any work where electrical terminals could possibly be grounded or touched by
the mechanic, the battery cables should be disconnected at the battery.
Any time the intake or exhaust openings are exposed during service they should be covered
to protect against accidental entrance of foreign material which could enter the cylinders and
cause extensive internal damage when the engine is started.
90-827242R02 FEBRUARY 2003Page i
It is important to note, during any maintenance procedure replacement fasteners must have
the same measurements and strength as those removed. Numbers on the heads of the
metric bolts and on the surfaces of metric nuts indicate their strength. American bolts use
radial lines for this purpose, while most American nuts do not have strength markings.
Mismatched or incorrect fasteners can result in damage or malfunction, or possibly personal
injury. Therefore, fasteners removed should be saved for reuse in the same locations
whenever possible. Where the fasteners are not satisfactory for re-use, care should be
taken to select a replacement that matches the original.
Cleanliness and Care of Outboard Motor
A marine power product is a combination of many machined, honed, polished and lapped
surfaces with tolerances that are measured in the ten thousands of an inch/mm. When any
product component is serviced, care and cleanliness are important. Throughout this
manual, it should be understood that proper cleaning, and protection of machined surfaces
and friction areas is a part of the repair procedure. This is considered standard shop practice
even if not specifically stated.
Whenever components are removed for service, they should be retained in order. At the
time of installation, they should be installed in the same locations and with the same mating
surfaces as when removed.
Personnel should not work on or under an outboard which is suspended. Outboards should
be attached to work stands, or lowered to ground as soon as possible.
We reserve the right to make changes to this manual without prior notification.
Refer to dealer service bulletins for other pertinent information concerning the products
described in this manual.
Page ii90-827242R02 FEBRUARY 2003
Service Manual Outline
Section 1 - General Information & Specifications
A - Specifications
B - Maintenance
C - General Information
D - Outboard Installation
Section 2 - Electrical and Ignition
A - Ignition System
B - Charging & Starting System
C - Timing/Synchronizing & Adjusting
D - Wiring Diagrams
Section 3 - Fuel System
A - Fuel Delivery System
B - Emissions
Section 4 - Powerhead
Section 5 - Mid-Section
A - Clamp/Swivel Brackets and Driveshaft Housing
B - Power Trim
Section 6 - Lower Unit
Section 7 - Attachments/Control Linkage
A - Throttle/Shift Linkage (Tiller Handle Shift Models)
B - Throttle/Shift Linkage (Side Shift Models)
C - Tiller Handle
Section 8 - Manual Starter
General Information
& Specifications
Electrical and Ignition
Fuel System
Powerhead
Mid-Section
Lower Unit
Attachments/
Control Linkage
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Manual Starter
8
90-827242R02 FEBRUARY 2003Page iii
Propeller Information
For in-depth information on marine propellers and boat performance – written by marine
engineers – see your Authorized Dealer for the illustrated “What You Should Know About
Quicksilver Propellers... and Boat Performance Information” (Part No. 90-86144 92).
How To Use This Manual
The manual is divided into SECTIONS which represents major components and systems.
Some SECTIONS are further divided into PARTS. Each PART has a title page. A Table of
Contents for the particular PART is printed on the back of the title page.
SECTIONS and P ARTS are listed on the Service Manual Outline sheet which immediately
follows the cover of this book.
Page Numbering
Two number groups appear at the bottom of each page. The example, below, is
self-explanatory.
15 Sea Pro/Marathon
Taper/Out of Round Maximum
Bore Type
Two-Stoke Cycle – Cross Flow
209 cc (12.8 cu. in.)
209 cc (12.8 cu. in.)
209 cc (12.8 cu. in.)
209 cc (12.8 cu. in.)
262 cc (16.0 cu. in.)
262 cc (16.0 cu. in.)
262 cc (16.0 cu. in.)
262 cc (16.0 cu. in.)
262 cc (16.0 cu. in.)
262 cc (16.0 cu. in.
262 cc (16.0 cu. in.)
262 cc (16.0 cu. in.)
262 cc (16.0 cu. in.)
53.975 mm (2.125 in.)
53.975 mm (2.125 in.)
53.975 mm (2.125 in.)
53.975 mm (2.125 in.)
53.975 mm (2.125 in.)
60.325 mm (2.375 in.)
60.325 mm (2.375 in.)
60.325 mm (2.375 in.)
60.325 mm (2.375 in.)
60.325 mm (2.375 in.)
60.325 mm (2.375 in.)
60.325 mm (2.375 in.)
60.325 mm (2.375 in.)
60.325 mm (2.375 in.)
0.1016 mm (0.004 in.)
Cast Iron
STROKELength45.7 mm (1.800 in.)
CRANKSHAFT
CONNECTING
ROD
PISTON
Top Main Bearing Journal
Center Main Bearing Journal
Bottom Ball Bearing Journal
Connecting Rod Journal
Runout
Piston Pin End (I.D.)
Crankpin End (I.D.)
Piston Type
Ring End Gap
19.1 mm (0.7517 in.)
20.6 mm (0.8108 in.)
20.0 mm (0.7880 in.)
20.6 mm (0.8125 in.)
0.076 mm (0.003 in.)
20.8 mm (0.8195 in.)
27.0 mm (1.0635 in.)
Aluminum
0.25 mm - 0.46 mm
(0.010 in. - 0.018 in.)
Reed Stand Open (Maximum)
REEDS
All Models
Reed Stop Opening (Maximum)
All Models
Page 1A-290-827242R02 FEBRUARY 2003
0.178 mm (0.007 in.)
7.54 mm (0.296 in.)
SPECIFICATIONS
GEAR
HOUSING
MID
SECTION
FUEL
SYSTEM
Gear Ratio
Gearcase Capacity
Lubricant Type
Forward Gear - Tooth count - Type
Pinion Gear - Tooth count - Type
Pinion Height
Forward Gear Backlash
Reverse Gear Backlash
Water Pressure
With Thermostat
– @ W.O.T (5000 RPM)
– @ Idle (750 RPM)
W/O Thermostat
– @ W.O.T (5000 RPM)
– @ Idle (750 RPM)
Transom Height Short Shaft
Long Shaft
Extra Long Shaft
Steering Pivot Range
Tilt Pin Positions
Total Tilt Angle
Allowable Transom Thickness
1. Check that lanyard stop switch stops the engine.
2. Visually inspect the fuel system for deterioration or leaks.
3. Check outboard for tightness on transom.
4. Check steering system for binding or loose components.
5. Visually check steering link rod fasteners for proper tightness.
6. Check propeller blades for damage.
After Each Use
1. Flush out the outboard cooling system if operating in salt or polluted water.
2. Wash off all salt deposits and flush out the exhaust outlet of the propeller and gearcase
with fresh water if operating in salt water.
Every 100 Hours of Use or Once Yearly, Whichever Occurs First
1. Lubricate all lubrication points. Lubricate more frequently when used in salt water.
MAINTENANCE
2. Inspect and clean spark plugs.
3. Check fuel line filter for contaminants.
4. Check carburetor adjustments, if required.
5. Check corrosion control anodes. Check more frequently when used in salt water.
6. Drain and replace gearcase lubricant.
7. Lubricate splines on the drive shaft.
8. Electric start models – Inspect battery.
9. Remote control models – Check control cable adjustments.
10. Remove engine deposits with Power Tune Engine Cleaner.
11. Check tightness of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.
12. Clean fuel tank pick up filter.
Every 300 Hours of Use or Three Years
1. Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating occurs or reduced water
pressure is noted).*
∗
These items should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
∗
∗
90-827242R02 FEBRUARY 2003Page 1B-3
MAINTENANCE
Flushing The Cooling System
Flush the internal water passages of the outboard with fresh water after each use in salt,
polluted, or muddy water. This will help prevent a buildup of deposits from clogging the
internal water passages.
Use a Quicksilver accessory or equivalent flushing attachment.
To avoid possible injury when flushing, remove the propeller. Refer to Propeller
Replacement.
1. Remove propeller (refer to Propeller Replacement). Install the flushing attachment so
the rubber cups fit tightly over the cooling water intake holes.
WARNING
CAUTION
Never start or run your outboard (even momentarily) without water circulating
through the cooling water intake in the gearcase to prevent damage to the water
pump (running dry) or overheating of the engine.
2. Attach a water hose to the flushing attachment. Turn on the water and adjust the flow
so water is leaking around the rubber cups to ensure the engine receives an adequate
supply of cooling water.
3. Start the engine and run it at idle speed in neutral shift position.
4. Adjust water flow if necessary so excess water continues leaking out from around the
rubber cups to ensure the engine is receiving an adequate supply of cooling water.
5. Check for a steady stream of water flowing out of the water pump indicator hole.
Continue flushing the outboard for 3 to 5 minutes, carefully monitoring water supply at
all times.
6. Stop the engine, turn off the water, and remove the flushing attachment. Reinstall the
propeller.
Page 1B-490-827242R20 FEBRUARY 2003
Fuel System
Avoid serious injury or death from gasoline fire or explosion. Carefully follow all
fuel system service instructions. Always stop the engine and DO NOT smoke or
allow open flames or sparks in the area while servicing any part of the fuel system.
Before servicing any part of the fuel system, stop engine and disconnect the battery . Drain
the fuel system completely. Use an approved container to collect and store fuel. Wipe up
any spillage immediately. Material used to contain spillage must be disposed of in an
approved receptacle. Any fuel system service must be performed in a well ventilated area.
Inspect any completed service work for sign of fuel leakage.
Fuel Line Inspection
Visually inspect the fuel line and primer bulb for cracks, swelling, leaks, hardness or other
signs of det e r i o r a t i o n o r damage. If any of these conditions are found, the fuel line or primer
bulb must be replaced.
Engine Fuel Filter
Inspect the sight bowl for water accumulation and inspect the filter element for sediment.
Clean filter as follows.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
REMOVAL
INSTALLATION
1. Hold onto the filter cover cover to prevent it from turning.
2. Turn off the sight bowl.
3. Pull out the filter element and wash it with cleaning solvent.
4. Push the open end of the filter element, into cover.
5. Place the O-ring seal into the sight bowl and screw the sight bowl hand tight into the
cover.
a
b
c
d
a-Filter cover
b-Filter
c-O-ring
d-Sight bowl
6. Visually inspect for fuel leakage around the sight bowl by squeezing the primer bulb until
firm, forcing fuel into the sight bowl.
90-827242R02 FEBRUARY 2003Page 1B-5
MAINTENANCE
Corrosion Control Anode
The outboard has a corrosion control anode installed to the gear case. An anode helps
protect the outboard against galvanic corrosion by sacrificing its metal to be slowly eroded
instead of the outboard metals.
1. The anode requires periodic inspection especially in salt water which will accelerate the
erosion. To maintain this corrosion protection, always replace the anode before it is
completely eroded. Never paint or apply a protective coating on the anode as this will
reduce effectiveness of the anode.
a
a-Anode
Spark Plug Inspection
Inspect spark plugs at the recommended intervals.
1. Remove the spark plug leads by twisting the rubber boots slightly and pull off.
2. Remove the spark plugs to inspect and clean. Replace spark plug if electrode is worn
or the insulator is rough, cracked, broken, blistered or fouled.
3. Set the spark plug gap. See Specification Chart in General Information Section.
4. Before reinstalling spark plugs, clean away dirt on the spark plug seats. Install plugs
finger tight, and tighten 1/4 turn or torque to 27 N·m (20 lb. ft.).
Page 1B-690-827242R20 FEBRUARY 2003
MAINTENANCE
Battery Inspection
The battery should be inspected at periodic intervals to ensure proper engine starting
capability.
IMPORTANT: Read the safety and maintenance instructions which accompany your
battery.
1. Turn off the engine before servicing the battery.
2. Add water as necessary to keep the battery full.
3. Make sure the battery is secure against movement.
4. Battery cable terminals should be clean, tight, and correctly installed. Positive to positive
and negative to negative.
5. Make sure the battery is equipped with a nonconductive shield to prevent accidental
shorting of battery terminals.
Fuse Replacement – Electric Start Remote Control Models
The electric starting circuit is protected from overload by a SFE 20 AMP fuse. If the fuse is
blown, the electric starter motor will not operate. Locate and correct the cause of the
overload. If the cause is not found, the fuse may blow again. Replace the fuse with a fuse
of the same rating.
1. Replace with a new SFE 20 AMP fuse.
a
a-SFE 20 amp fuse
90-827242R02 FEBRUARY 2003Page 1B-7
MAINTENANCE
Lubrication Points
1. Lubricate the following with 2-4-C with Teflon or Special Lubricant 101.
•Tilt lock pins (Make sure this pin is free to push in and out).
•Lubricate along the entire tilt pin track on both transom brackets.
a
a
b
a-Tilt lock pins
b-Tilt pin track
•Lubricate the throttle and shaft cables, moving components and pivot locations.
WARNING
The end of the steering cable must be fully retracted into the outboard tilt tube
before adding lubricant. Adding lubricant to steering cable when fully extended
could cause steering cable to become hydraulically locked. An hydraulically locked
steering cable will cause loss of steering control, possibly resulting in serious
injury or death.
•Rotate steering wheel (if so equipped) to fully retract the steering cable end into
the outboard tilt tube. Lubricate steering cable through grease fitting and cable
end.
a
a-Grease fitting
b-Steering cable end
b
90-827242R02 FEBRUARY 2003Page 1B-9
MAINTENANCE
2. Lubricate the following with light weight oil.
•Steering Link Rod Pivot Points.
3. Lubricate the following with anti-corrosion grease or 2-4-C with Teflon.
•Coat the entire propeller shaft with lubricant to prevent the propeller hub from
corroding to the shaft.
Gearcase Lubrication
Gearcase Lubricant Capacity
Gear Case RatioCapacity
2.00:1200.0 ml (6.8 fl. oz.)
Draining Gearcase
When adding or changing gearcase lubricant, visually check for the presence of water in
the lubricant. If water is present, it may have settled to the bottom and will drain out prior
to the lubricant, or it may be mixed with the lubricant, giving it a milky colored appearance.
If water is noticed, have the gearcase checked by your dealer. Water in the lubricant may
result in premature bearing failure or, in freezing temperatures, will turn to ice and damage
the gearcase.
Whenever you remove the fill/drain plug, examine the magnetic end for metal particles. A
small amount of metal filings or fine metal particles indicates normal gear wear. An
excessive amount of metal filings or larger particles (chips) may indicate abnormal gear
wear and should be checked by an authorized dealer.
Page 1B-1090-827242R20 FEBRUARY 2003
1. Place outboard in a vertical operating position.
2. Place drain pan below outboard.
3. Remove fill/drain plug and vent plug and drain lubricant.
a-Fill/Drain Plug
b-Vent plug
Checking Lubricant Level and Refilling Gearcase
1. Place outboard in a vertical operating position.
MAINTENANCE
bab
2. Remove vent plug from vent hole.
3. Place lubricant tube into the fill hole and add lubricant until it appears at the vent hole.
4. Stop adding lubricant. Install the vent plug and sealing washer before removing the
lubricant tube.
b
a
a-Fill/Drain plug
b-Vent plug
5. Remove lubricant tube and reinstall cleaned fill/drain plug and sealing washer.
90-827242R02 FEBRUARY 2003Page 1B-11
MAINTENANCE
Storage Preparations
Fuel System
IMPORTANT: Gasoline containing alcohol (ethanol or methanol) can cause a
formation of acid during storage and can damage the fuel system. If the gasoline
being used contains alcohol, It is advisable to drain as much of the remaining
gasoline as possible from the fuel tank, remote fuel line, and engine fuel system.
Fill the fuel system (tank, hoses, fuel pumps, and fuel injection systems) with treated
(stabilized) fuel to help prevent formation of varnish and gum. Proceed with following
instructions.
1. Portable fuel tank – Pour the required amount of fuel system/stabilizer concentrate
(follow instructions on container) into fuel tank. Tip fuel tank back and forth to mix
stabilizer with the fuel.
2. Permanently Installed Fuel Tank – Pour the required amount of fuel system/stabilizer
concentrate (follow instructions on container) into a separate container and mix with
approximately one liter (one quart) of gasoline. Pour mixture into fuel tank.
3. Place the outboard in water or connect flushing attachment. Run the engine for ten
minutes to allow treated fuel to fill the fuel system.
Protecting External Engine Components
1. Lubricate all outboard c omponents l isted i n t he Inspection a nd M aintenance Schedule.
2. Touch up any paint nicks.
3. Spray Corrosion Guard on external metal surfaces (except corrosion control anodes).
Protecting Internal Engine Components
NOTE: Before performing Steps 1 and 2, make sure the fuel system has been prepared for
storage.
1. Place the outboard in water or connect flushing attachment. Start the engine and let it
run in neutral to warm up.
2. With engine running at fast idle, stop the fuel flow by disconnecting the remote fuel line.
When engine begins to stall, quickly spray Storage Seal Rust Inhibitor into carburetor
until engine stops from lack of fuel.
3. Remove the spark plugs and inject a five second spray of Storage Seal Rust Inhibitor
around the inside of each cylinder.
4. Rotate the flywheel manually several times to distribute the Storage Seal in the
cylinders. Reinstall spark plugs.
Gearcase
Drain and refill the gearcase lubricant. Refer to Refilling Gearcase
Page 1B-1290-827242R20 FEBRUARY 2003
Positioning Outboard for Storage
Store outboard in an upright position to allow water to drain out of outboard.
If outboard is stored tilted up in freezing temperature, trapped cooling water or rain
water that may have entered the propeller exhaust outlet in the gearcase could
freeze and cause damage to the outboard.
Battery Storage
1. Follow the battery manufacturers instructions for storage and recharging.
2. Remove the battery from the boat and check water level. Recharge if necessary.
3. Store the battery in a cool, dry place.
4. Periodically check the water level and recharge the battery during storage.
Salt Water Submersion1C-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serial Number Location
The Outboard serial number is located on the lower starboard side of the engine block. A
serial number is also located on the starboard side of the swivel bracket.