Mercury Outboard Motor User Manual

MAINTENANCE

47

Outboard Care

To keep your outboard in the best operating condition, it is important that
your outboard receive the periodic inspections and maintenance listed in
the Inspection and Maintenance Schedule. We urge you to keep it
maintained properly to ensure the safety of you and your passengers, and
retain its dependability.

!

WARNING

Neglected inspection and maintenance service of your outboard or
attempting to perform maintenance or repair on your outboard if you are
not familiar with the correct service and safety procedures could cause
personal injury, death, or product failure.

Record maintenance performed in Maintenance Log at the back of this
book. Save all maintenance work orders and receipts.

SELECTING REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR YOUR OUTBOARD

We recommend using original Mercury Precision or Quicksilver
replacement parts and Genuine Lubricants.

!

WARNING

Using a replacement part that is inferior to the original part could result
in personal injury, death, or product failure.

EPA Emissions Regulations

All new outboards manufactured by Mercury Marine are certified to the
United States Environmental Protection Agency, as conforming to the
requirements of the regulations for the control of air pollution from new
outboard motors. This certification is contingent on certain adjustments set
to factory standards. For this reason, the factory procedure for servicing
the product must be strictly followed and, wherever practicable, returned
to the original intent of the design. Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any marine
spark ignition (SI) engine repair establishment or individual.

MAINTENANCE

48

EMISSION CERTIFICATION LABEL

An emission certification label, showing emission levels and engine
specifications directly related to emissions, is placed on the engine at time
of manufacture.

ob00366

c

h

d

e

b

a

f

i

g

a - Idle speed
b - Engine horsepower
c - Piston displacement
d - Date of manufacture
e - Valve clearance (if

applicable)

f - Family number
g - Maximum emission output for

the engine family

h - Timing specification
i - Recommended spark plug

and gap

OWNER RESPONSIBILITY

The owner/operator is required to have routine engine maintenance
performed to maintain emission levels within prescribed certification
standards.

The owner/operator is not to modify the engine in any manner that would
alter the horsepower or allow emissions levels to exceed their
predetermined factory specifications.

Inspection And Maintenance Schedule

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level. See Fuel & Oil ‑ Checking and Adding Engine
Oil.

• Visually inspect the fuel system for deterioration or leaks.

• Check outboard for tightness on transom.

• Check propeller blades for damage.

MAINTENANCE

49

AFTER EACH USE

• Flush out the outboard cooling system if operating in salt or polluted
water. See Flushing the Cooling System.

• 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

• Lubricate all lubrication points. Lubricate more frequently when used
in salt water. See Lubrication Points.

• Change engine oil. The oil should be changed more often when the
engine is operated under adverse conditions such as extended
trolling. See Changing Engine Oil.

• Replace spark plug at first 100 hours or first year. After that, inspect
spark plug every 100 hours or once yearly. Replace spark plug as
needed. See Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement.

• Drain and replace gearcase lubricant. See Gearcase Lubrication.

• Check fuel line filter for contaminants. See Fuel System.

• Check corrosion control anode. Check more frequently when used in
salt water. See Corrosion Control Anodes.

•

Lubricate splines on the driveshaft.

1.

•

Replace water pump impeller.

1.

• Check tightness of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.

BEFORE PERIODS OF STORAGE

• Refer to Storage procedure. See Storage section.

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 Mercury Precision or Quicksilver accessory (or equivalent) flushing
attachment.

NOTE: Do not run the engine while flushing the cooling system.

1. Remove plug and gasket and thread‑in hose coupling.

2. Attach a water hose to the hose coupling. Turn on the water gently
and flush the cooling system for 3 to 5 minutes.

1. These items should be serviced by an authorized dealer.

MAINTENANCE

50

3. Remove the thread‑in hose coupling and reinstall plug and gasket.

a

b

ob00484

a - Gasket b - Thread‑in hose coupling

Top Cowl Removal And Installation

REMOVAL

1. Unlock the rear latch by pushing lever down.

ob00485

2. Lift rear of cowl and disengage front hook.

ob00486

INSTALLATION

1. Engage the front hook and push cowl back over the cowl seal.

2. Push cowl down and move the rear latch lever up to lock.

MAINTENANCE

51

Corrosion Control Anode

Your outboard has a corrosion control anode installed on the gearcase. An
anode helps protect the outboard against galvanic corrosion by sacrificing
its metal to be slowly corroded instead of the outboard metals.

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.

ob00487

Exterior Care

Your outboard is protected with a durable baked enamel finish. Clean and
wax often using marine cleaners and waxes.

Fuel System

!

WARNING

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 signs of fuel leakage.