Scheduled maintenance for 5.0L MPI 260 HP Mercruiser/alpha

[glove]

I have a 3 year-old Crownline bowrider, with a 5.0L MPI 260 HP Mercruiser/alpha.

At 20 hours of use on the motor during the first season, I had the following recommended service performed on it($375)
1) lube, oil and filter
2) outdrive fluid changed
3) belts/hoses adjusted
4) u-joints lubed
5) R&R outdrive and alignment check

The boat finished its third season last summer (~130 hours) without any further maintenance.

The shop is recommending:
1) tune up (replace cap, rotor, plugs, check/adjust engine -- ~$450)
2) Replace water pump (~$300)

which they recommend every 3 - 4 years (it's now been 3 years).

Would it be foolish to wait until after the 4th year instead of having this maintenance performed now at 3 years?

Thanks very much

 

[Don S]

Re: Scheduled maintenance for 5.0L MPI 260 HP Mercruiser/alpha

3 years in salt water is about max that I recommend to customers on an impeller. Tuneups I recommend yearly, especially if they set through winter in storage and have been fogged. Just to get the best milage out of those fuel dollars.

 

[glove]

Re: Scheduled maintenance for 5.0L MPI 260 HP Mercruiser/alpha

Thanks, Don. I'm purely in freshwater.
I appreciate your advice.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Scheduled maintenance for 5.0L MPI 260 HP Mercruiser/alpha

you could go to the adults only sticky at the top. find your service manual and load it up. in it you'll find a maintenance schedule as to what needs service and at what intervals...