Section 5 - Maintenance
90-864195070 JUNE 2007 Page 67
Maintenance Schedule ‑ Sterndrive Models
Routine Maintenance
NOTE: Only perform maintenance which applies to your particular power package.
EACH DAY START
• Check the crankcase oil (interval can be extended based on experience).
• Check the drive unit oil level, the trim pump oil level, and the power steering pump or
compact hydraulic steering fluid level.
EACH DAY END
• If operating in salt, brackish or polluted waters, flush the cooling system after each use.
WEEKLY
• Check the water inlets for debris or marine growth. Check the seawater strainer and
clean. Check the coolant level.
• Inspect the drive unit anodes and replace if 50 percent eroded.
EVERY TWO MONTHS OR 50 HOURS
• Lubricate the propeller shaft and retorque the nut (if operating in only freshwater, this
maintenance may be extended to every four months).
• Operating in saltwater or brackish or polluted water only: treat the power package with
Corrosion Guard.
• Check the battery connections and the fluid level.
•
Ensure that the gauges and the wiring connections are secure. Clean the gauges.
1.
Scheduled Maintenance
NOTE: Only perform maintenance which applies to your particular power package.
AFTER THE INITIAL 20 HOUR BREAK-IN PERIOD
To help extend the life of your Mercury MerCruiser power package, we reccommend the
following:
• Change the engine oil and filter
• Change the sterndrive lube.
EVERY 100 HOURS OR ANNUALLY (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST)
• Touch‑up the paint on the power package.
• Change the crankcase oil and filter.
• Change the drive unit oil
• Retorque the connection of the gimbal ring to the steering shaft.
• Replace the water separating fuel filter element.
• Check the steering system and the remote control for loose, missing or damaged parts.
Lubricate the cables and the linkages.
• Check the continuity circuit for loose or damaged connections. Test the MerCathode
unit output on Bravo Models.
NOTE: On V6 models the PCV valve is non serviceable and is an internal component of
the valve cover assembly.
• Clean the flame arrestor, IAC muffler (MPI engines), and the crankcase ventilation
hoses. Inspect the PCV valve, if equipped.
• Inspect the condition and the tension of the belts.
1. If operating in saltwater, interval is reduced to every 25 hours or 30 days whichever occurs first.