1988 Mercruser 4.3 Liter Mercruser Engine S/N B779146 Model GM 262 V-6

[berry7199]

My son and I just got this boat last summer and changed the engine oil and stern drive oil (and impeller). We took it out for an hour or two probably once or twice a week for the whole summer. With an engine this old should be change the engine and stern oil every year? Or just the engine oil?? Thanks!

 

[dubs283]

I'd change both annually along with pulling the drive and inspecting the entire transom assembly and drive external bits, u joints n such

 

[rolmops]

x2

 

[tpenfield]

It is good to change all of the oils on a new-to-you boat. The outdrive oil will be fine for a few seasons, whereas the engine oil likes to be changes annually.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Your maintenance schedule is 50 hours or annually. Which ever occurs first

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I try to do oil changes in the fall,.....
Especially the drive,....
If by some chance it picked up some water, oil is cheaper than a frozen busted lower unit,....

 

[Scott06]

Ayuh,..... I try to do oil changes in the fall,.....
Especially the drive,....
If by some chance it picked up some water, oil is cheaper than a frozen busted lower unit,....

Exactly- doing this has served me well for many years. Years ago my grandfather motioned taking a outboard out of his shed in the spring only to have the lower case fall apart. Had water in the lube and it expanded in the winter.

No sense saving $15 on lube. If I recall a Gen one only takes a qt ?

Also worth greasing the gimbal bearing if they still have a greaseable one.