Section 5 - Maintenance
Page 62 90-864197076 NOVEMBER 2008
Task Interval Maintenance to Be Performed
Every 50 hours or 2
months
(whichever occurs first)
All Bravo models except 496 : Lubricate the engine coupler (lubricate the engine coupler every 50
hours if operated at idle for prolonged periods of time).
Every 100 hours or
annually
(whichever occurs first)
⢠Touchāup the paint on the power package.
⢠Change the engine oil and filter.
⢠Change the sterndrive gear lube.
⢠On models with closed cooling, check the coolant level and antifreeze concentration for
adequate freeze protection. Correct if necessary. Refer to the Specifications section.
⢠Tighten the connection of the gimbal ring to the steering shaft to specifications.
⢠Replace the waterāseparating fuel filter.
⢠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
if equipped.
⢠Clean the flame arrestor, IAC muffler, and the crankcase ventilation hoses. Inspect the PCV
valve, if equipped.
⢠Inspect the condition and the tension of the belts.
⢠Driveshaft extension models: Lubricate the driveshaft Uājoints, and tailstock input and output
bearings.
Every 150 hours or
annually
(whichever occurs first)
All Bravo models except 496: Lubricate the engine coupler.
Every 300 hours or 3
years
⢠Check the engine mounts for tightness and torque if necessary.
⢠Check the electrical system for loose, damaged, or corroded fasteners.
⢠Inspect the condition of the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and the distributor cap and rotor, if
equipped. Replace as necessary.
⢠Check the cooling system and the exhaust system hose clamps for tightness. Inspect both
systems for damage or leaks.
⢠Disassemble and inspect the seawater pump and replace worn components.
⢠On models with closed cooling, clean the seawater section of the closed cooling system. Clean,
inspect, and test the pressure cap.
⢠Inspect the exhaust system components. If the package was equipped with water shutters
(flapper valves), verify that they are not missing or worn.
⢠Check the engine alignment.
⢠Inspect the Uājoints, the splines, the bellows, and check the clamps.
⢠Lubricate the Uājoint splines and cross bearing, if equipped with a grease fitting.
⢠Inspect the gimbel bearing for roughness. Replace if necessary. See your certified Mercury
MerCruiser dealer.
⢠Vazer models, Alpha models, and 496 MAG Bravo models only: Lubricate the engine coupler.
Every 5 years
⢠Replace the coolant/anitifreeze. Replace every two years if not using extendedālife coolant/
antifreeze.
Maintenance Log
Record all maintenance performed on your power package here. Be sure to save all work orders and receipts.
Date
Maintenance Performed Engine Hours