Out of curiousity...

[apaseman]

What does a marine shop actually do when you bring them an outboard or servicing? Probably a broad question, but I guess I'm wondering to properly maintain an outboard, what should one do yearly? Is it something that is fairly doable myself or something I should have a shop do?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Out of curiousity...

If you have any amount of mechanical skill set then you can do most if not all of the required maintenance on an outboard.

My first suggestion is to get a proper manual.

 

[apaseman]

Re: Out of curiousity...

I plan on getting a manual. Not knowing exactly what to maintain is still on my list of things to learn. So far I have:

Changed the lower Unit Oil.
Replaced the water pump seals and impeller
Replaced the thermostats

All with the help from people on this forum

I'm wondering if I need to check my spark plugs/replace them-not having any issues but unsure of how often this should be done-along with anything else that I'm not thinking needs to be maintained.

I'd like to clean my carburetors but that kinda scares me

I'd also like to find out if my outboard has a fuel filter (1987 Mariner 175HP) and if an outboard that uses oil/fuel mixed directly even CAN have a fuel filter-and if so, how to change/replace it.

So many questions..but I'm learning one step at a time how to maintain my boat. I wish I could help with others more as I feel this is a "one sided relationship" I have with everybody on this forum..I'm just not at that level right now.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Out of curiousity...

To determine if your engine has a fuel filter, remove the engine cover and look. Fuel filters are installed in the fuel line. See where the line comes into the engine then follow it to the fuel pump then to the carbs. Yes -- you have a fuel filter. To replace it you undo the clamps and pull off the hoses. Reverse the procedure to install the new one noting the direction of fuel flow. You replace plugs when they are needed. They are needed when you remove them to take a look. There is ample info about "reading spark plugs" on the web. Just google "reading spark plugs".

 

[dingbat]

Re: Out of curiousity...

The first thing you need to do is change the clear plastic lines in the oiling circuit. The tubing they use on those motors, and the same vintage Mercs, are famous for getting brittle and cracking. It serves it's purpose well but it needs to be replaced every 2 years or so.

 

[apaseman]

Re: Out of curiousity...

Is this oiling circuit part of the oil injection system? If so it has not been working and I have been adding oil directly to the gas...

 

[jtexas]

Re: Out of curiousity...

Despite having no formal mechanical training, I've never put a boat in the shop, and don't intend to.

Spark plugs, some people like to replace 'em on schedule -- myself, (absent performance issues) I inspect 'em a couple times a year, and use 'em until the center electrode starts to wear unevenly. or otherwise damaged.

Outboard motor carbs are remarkably simple devices, don't be intimidated. You've already completed more difficult procedures. Myself, I only do the carbs when I start having symptoms.

Get yourself a compression gauge...record your compression readings now, as a baseline for future diagnostics. Compression test should routinely be your first troubleshooting step for most performance issues.

When you get your manual, it will point out inspection/lubrication points on the powerhead.

 

[apaseman]

Re: Out of curiousity...

Thanks everyone for the input. I just got done changing the spark plugs and fuel filter. They original owner didn't even have the right fuel filter on. And with his "track record" of jerry rigs and such, I just assumed the spark plugs needed changing..I am of the opinion that at least now I know I have good ones. Now, the motor seemed to start easier, and sounds like it is running better at idle. Could be my imagination though I will have a better understanding of it when I get it on the water next time as I just had the hose hooked up and wanted to make sure after I did the work that It did indeed start or didn't start rather than find that out after towing my boat to the water.

I have downloaded a service manual and will take a looksie to see about these stated "points of lubrication". Man, I am learning a lot from you guys..not sure where I'd be without all your help!