Re: Outboard Maintanence
Since the boat and engine is new to you, you do not have any history on the engine. SO: with that in mind, immediately (before you use the engine) change the lower unit oil and look for signs of water contamination--either free water running out firsr when you drain it or milky colored oil draining. If this is the case, then examine the seals to see which one(s) are leaking and replace them.
Next, drop the lower unit and change the water pump impeller. You don't know its condition so this is good preventive maintenance. If the original one is good, save it for emergency use.
Change the fuel pump diaphragm and gasket and put a disposable filter between the fuel pump and carbs. You only need to change the filter if it starts to get dirty.
After the first season, change the lower unit oil. If it has remained in good condition, you now have some history and you can stretch out the lower unit changes to every two years. HOWEVER: If you elect to change it every year after the season, then you will notice any problems starting and nip them in the bud.
Same goes for the water pump impeller.
Note that the yearly cost is not exorbitant. Lower unit marine EP oil will cost between 5 and 19 bucks depending upon brand and if you use synthetic. The water pump impeller costs around 20 bucks here on iboats, and the fuel pump diaphragm and gasket costs about 5. SO: for less than 50 bucks, you can do preventive maintenance every year. ---Not bad insurance---
As for the mist: Usually, these engines should have some sort of stream issuing. BUT: It is difficult to prime the water pump on muffs and frequently, in the driveway, all you will get is a mist coming out the idle relief vents. In the driveway on muffs, feel the head. It should be uncomfortably hot to the touch but should not be hot enough to burn you. If it gets that hot, shut down the engine and let it cool.
