Just bought my first boat… 2004 Sea Fox 217CC with 150 Mercury salt water engine. Lots of questions, best way to learn?

[drpepper68]

So I’m not totally new to boats, grew up with them and have a 1987 four winns io but first outboard I’ve owned.

Trying to find service manual for it but can’t seem to find one. Only found one for the Opti. Have a few questions and you guys seem super knowledgeable!

My assumption and preference is to do a full maintenance of the boat/engine and replace everything I can if relatively cheap.

Replacing spark plugs
Replacing fuel filter (when I find it)
Replace impeller even though it spits water ok?
Trim motor works fine but looks rusted and assume original, was thinking of replacing it?

I read this comment in a thread “The housing is nylon and does not last with any heat, that's why you should replace yearly”

What is a housing?

Is the black thing sticking out of engine in pic a flush valve?

Was going to take to marina to do service for first time until I learn or is impeller easy to do? I did it on my mercruiser io so I’m not totally incompetent.

 

[drpepper68]

 

[drpepper68]

Also have to mention is it is hard to start the first time. And plugs seem oily. Carb rebuild or clean? That’s my #1 priority is to make it start much easier. Scared to be stuck on ramp and not starting.

 

[muc]

Congratulations on your new boat!
Are you following the recommended starting procedure?
This is covered in the owners manual. If you didn't get one with the boat, Mercury Marine is happy to provide a digital download for free or will be even happier to sell you one. Here is a link to the free one, use the serial number for best results.

Mercury Marine Owners Manuals | Mercury Marine | Mercury Marine

www.mercurymarine.com

I would recommend doing all service on a new to you engine. If you successfully were able to R+R a water pump on an Alpha, I'm guessing you can do most all of the needed service yourself. That said a good tech at a good Mercury dealer can have a lot of value. I recommend getting a copy of the engine service manual for your engine. The factory manual is available from Mercury for purchase. part number 878079R01 is what you want. These manuals are written for a factory trained tech, so they presume a basic knowledge. So if you have questions, that's what this forum is for.

Doing a compression test while servicing is always a great idea. It will give you a base line for the future.

 

[drpepper68]

Congratulations on your new boat!
Are you following the recommended starting procedure?
This is covered in the owners manual. If you didn't get one with the boat, Mercury Marine is happy to provide a digital download for free or will be even happier to sell you one. Here is a link to the free one, use the serial number for best results.

Mercury Marine Owners Manuals | Mercury Marine | Mercury Marine

www.mercurymarine.com

I would recommend doing all service on a new to you engine. If you successfully were able to R+R a water pump on an Alpha, I'm guessing you can do most all of the needed service yourself. That said a good tech at a good Mercury dealer can have a lot of value. I recommend getting a copy of the engine service manual for your engine. The factory manual is available from Mercury for purchase. part number 878079R01 is what you want. These manuals are written for a factory trained tech, so they presume a basic knowledge. So if you have questions, that's what this forum is for.

Doing a compression test while servicing is always a great idea. It will give you a base line for the future.

Thank you for the info. I followed procedure yes, found it online. I read someone else had same issue and after replacing everything finally figured out it was weak stator. Getting a plug gap tester soon but might just drop off at mechanic and for once just pay someone so I can just enjoy it.

Thanks for the manual number that’s what I need! I don’t see a fuel filter or oil filter on this thing under the engine cowl so still looking.

 

[muc]

Thank you for the info. I followed procedure yes, found it online. I read someone else had same issue and after replacing everything finally figured out it was weak stator. Getting a plug gap tester soon but might just drop off at mechanic and for once just pay someone so I can just enjoy it.

Thanks for the manual number that’s what I need! I don’t see a fuel filter or oil filter on this thing under the engine cowl so still looking.

Don't think I would follow advice from someone who "after replacing everything finally figured out it was weak stator" All this stuff is pretty easy to test. You have a CDM ignition system, it's really pretty basic.

The fuel filter is covered in the owners manual (even has a nice picture so you can't miss it), maybe read it and see if you are following the starting instructions for your motor?

The oil filter is in the boat mounted oil tank and will require the oil injection system be purged after replacement, so that's a little bit much for the average boater. It's covered in the service manual.

 

[drpepper68]

Don't think I would follow advice from someone who "after replacing everything finally figured out it was weak stator" All this stuff is pretty easy to test. You have a CDM ignition system, it's really pretty basic.

The fuel filter is covered in the owners manual (even has a nice picture so you can't miss it), maybe read it and see if you are following the starting instructions for your motor?

The oil filter is in the boat mounted oil tank and will require the oil injection system be purged after replacement, so that's a little bit much for the average boater. It's covered in the service manual.

They don’t have my owners manual posted online. I have to order a hard copy. I referenced another manual link but only place I could see a fuel filter in the book is under the engine cowl but mine doesn’t have one there. The info I found when looking up my serial number shows an option for fuel/water separator but still looking for that.

 

[Dukedog]

don't fret... carbureted merc V6 each may have "they're" own way of first and/or cold start... you can try different things with it till ya find out what it actually wants for an "easy" cold/first start... examples: how long ta prime?.. push and hold key in or justa a bump or two?.. fast idle added or not?.. trim angle etc... as long as it does start ya have good motor........... gl and enjoy... its a very good motor!

 

[drpepper68]

don't fret... carbureted merc V6 each may have "they're" own way of first and/or cold start... you can try different things with it till ya find out what it actually wants for an "easy" cold/first start... examples: how long ta prime?.. push and hold key in or justa a bump or two?.. fast idle added or not?.. trim angle etc... as long as it does start ya have good motor........... gl and enjoy... its a very good motor!

I gotta say that makes me feel much better. I checked the compression before I bought it and it looks like it’s been kept up. I do have to wire brush some bolt heads and repaint some areas but I think I just need to learn the boat. Having a lot of anxiety after our last boating mishap 10 years ago.

 

[tphoyt]

Sounds like your on the right track and in good hands. Sea Ox is a great boat and very well made your gona love it.
Enjoy

 

[muc]

They don’t have my owners manual posted online. I have to order a hard copy. I referenced another manual link but only place I could see a fuel filter in the book is under the engine cowl but mine doesn’t have one there. The info I found when looking up my serial number shows an option for fuel/water separator but still looking for that.

Agree with @Dukedog that each engine can need it’s own starting process. But a good place to start is the recommended procedure.

Not sure why you can’t find the owners manual online. I was able to when I followed the posted link. Maybe call Mercury consumer support, they maybe will be able to help.

If you have a fuel water separator they are usually mounted in the boat, it will be easy to find if you follow the fuel line.

 

[drpepper68]

Oh thats weird, when I use my laptop the link worked and I found it, thanks.

So looks like they removed the inline fuel filter on mine cause there isnt one under the cowl!

 

[drpepper68]

Oops, found it tucked away on the other side.

 

[drpepper68]

I couldn’t seem to find this and don’t have the service manual yet. (Ordered) Is there an impeller replacement guide somewhere? Maybe with part numbers.