Mercury MERCRUISER - Steering Fluid; Checking and Filling Steering Fluid

Section 5 - Maintenance
90-899883295 JUNE 2008 Page 85
2. Coat sealing ring on new filter with engine oil and install.
3. Tighten oil filter securely (following filter manufacturer's instructions). Do not
overtighten.
4. Remove oil fill cap.
IMPORTANT: Always use dipstick to determine exactly how much oil is required.
5. Add recommended engine oil to bring level up to the bottom of the OK range on the
dipstick.
6. With the boat at rest in the water, check the oil level and add specified fluid to bring the
oil level up to, but not over, the full or OK range.
NOTE: Adding 0.95 L (1 qt) of engine oil will raise the level from the add mark to the top
of the OK range.
All Models Capacity Fluid Type
Engine oil (with filter) 8.5 L (9 US qt Mercury MerCruiser Full‑Synthetic Engine Oil, 20W‑40
7. Start the engine, run the engine for three minutes, and check for leaks. Stop the engine.
Allow approximately 5 minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan. The boat must be at
rest in the water.
Steering Fluid
Checking and Filling Steering Fluid
IMPORTANT: Use only specified lubricant.
IMPORTANT: Running the pump dry will damage the pump. Always check steering fluid
levels before operating the boat.
1. With the engine running, center the sterndrive units.
2. Stop the engine.
3. Using a clean, lint‑free cloth, wipe the dirt and debris from the fill cap and the exterior
of the fluid reservoir.
4. Remove the fill cap from the reservoir and observe the fluid level using the dipstick.
IMPORTANT: If fluid is not visible in the reservoir, contact your authorized Mercury
MerCruiser dealer.
5. The fluid level must be in the warm range and not above the full hot mark when the
engine is warm. When the engine is cold the fluid level must be in the cold range and
not above the full cold mark.