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.

Mercury OUTBOARD MOTOR Specifications

General

Fuel Type	Gasoline
Engine Type	4-Stroke
Horsepower Range	2.5 HP to 400 HP
Shaft Length	15", 20", 25"
Starting System	Manual or Electric
Steering	Tiller, Remote
Gear Shift	Forward, Neutral, Reverse
Cooling System	Water-cooled
Warranty	3-year limited warranty

Summary

Outboard Care and Maintenance Basics

Maintenance Safety Warnings

Crucial safety warnings about performing maintenance and using correct parts for safety.

Recommended Replacement Parts

Advises using genuine Mercury or Quicksilver replacement parts and lubricants for optimal performance.

EPA Emissions Regulations Overview

Explains EPA certification and servicing requirements for emissions control.

Emission Certification Label Details

Owner Responsibility and Maintenance Schedule

Owner Responsibility for Emissions

Outlines the owner's obligation to perform routine maintenance to maintain emission levels.

Inspection and Maintenance Schedule

Lists routine checks and maintenance tasks required for the outboard's operation.

Checks Before Each Use

Essential pre-operation checks including oil level, fuel system, and propeller condition.

Periodic Maintenance Tasks

Checks After Each Use

Post-operation tasks such as flushing the cooling system and washing salt deposits.

100-Hour or Annual Maintenance

Key maintenance tasks including lubrication, oil changes, and spark plug replacement.

Pre-Storage Maintenance Guidance

Guidance on preparing the outboard for periods of storage.

Flushing the Cooling System Procedure

Provides a step-by-step procedure for flushing the outboard's internal water passages.

Engine Cowl Service

Top Cowl Removal Procedure

Steps involved in detaching the top cowl from the engine assembly.

Top Cowl Installation Procedure

Steps for correctly reattaching the top cowl to the engine.

Corrosion Protection and Exterior Care

Corrosion Control Anode Inspection

Explains the function and inspection of the corrosion control anode on the gearcase.

Exterior Care and Cleaning

Advice on cleaning and waxing the outboard's exterior finish.

Fuel System Safety Precautions

Critical warnings regarding fire and explosion risks when servicing the fuel system.

Fuel System Components

Fuel Line Filter Inspection and Replacement

Guidance on inspecting and replacing the fuel line filter.

Fuel Line and Primer Bulb Inspection

Instructions for visually inspecting the fuel line and primer bulb for damage or leaks.

Propeller Replacement Safety

Essential safety measures to prevent accidental engine starting during propeller service.

Propeller Service Procedures

Propeller Removal and Nut Securing

Steps for removing the propeller nut and securing the propeller.

Propeller Shaft Lubrication

Recommendation for lubricating the propeller shaft to prevent corrosion.

Spark Plug Service

Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement

Procedure for inspecting and replacing spark plugs, including safety warnings.

Spark Plug Gap Specification

Details the correct spark plug gap measurement for optimal performance.

Spark Plug Installation Torque

Information on proper torque specifications for installing spark plugs.

Lubrication Points

Lubrication with 2-4-C and Special Lubricant 101

Lists points requiring lubrication with specific lubricants and their part numbers.

Swivel Bracket Lubrication

Instructions for lubricating the swivel bracket through fittings.

Tiller Handle and Shift Detent Lubrication

Note on lubricating tiller handle bushing and shift handle detent by dealer.

Tilt Pivot Lubrication

Guidance on lubricating the tilt pivot.

Engine Oil Management

Changing Engine Oil Procedure

Step-by-step guide for draining and refilling engine oil.

Engine Oil Capacity

Specifies the engine oil capacity in milliliters and fluid ounces.

Checking Engine Oil Level and Leaks

Procedure for checking oil level after changing and inspecting for leaks.

Gearcase Lubrication and Service

Gearcase Lubricant Inspection for Water

Guidance on checking gearcase lubricant for water contamination.

Draining Gearcase Lubricant

Procedure for draining old gearcase lubricant.

Gearcase Lubricant Capacity

Specifies the gearcase lubricant capacity in milliliters and fluid ounces.

Checking and Refilling Gearcase Lubricant

Procedure for checking and refilling the gearcase lubricant level.

Submerged Outboard Recovery