98 Mariner 250hp EFI problems?

[merrittboy]

This is a new to me motor, my first outboard. Anything that I should be concerned about and may need to deal with? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[1nebel0]

Re: 98 Mariner 250hp EFI problems?

There is a ton of stuff that I would do before using the motor...change the water pump and lower unit fluid. Change the two thermostats just to make sure the cooling system is solid...Check the poppit valve and or replace the diaphram....change the plugs and start out with new plugs...make sure the oil in the reserve tank is clean and new if not, drain and replace..this should insure that you won't have cooling problems. Change the on board fuel filter and make sure you install a water separator on your boat, a must with the crap *** gas we are all stuck with. That will make sure your fuel is clean...that would be the beginning..next would be checking the timing which is a detailed process that requires a dial indicator, timing light and knowledge..not hard to do but just need to know how and why..this will insure you don't melt the motor down due to running over advanced. This is a classic reason along with old fuel and poor water cooling that melts down a two stroke. If you don't know how to do any of this, find someone that does...that is a good motor that would be expensive to replace on top of being stuck somewhere you don't want to be...good luck

 

[merrittboy]

Re: 98 Mariner 250hp EFI problems?

Thanks for the advice. We have ddone the basic tune up and I will be putting on new fuel filters etc. My son completed a compression check and all seems well. We ran it solid for about an hour yesterday, just trying to get use to the boat and motor and everything seemed just fine. My only other experience with boats was a 3litre merc inboard, so this is a big change. Kind of nervous but sure it will be fine. Have a solid kicker on the boat as well. Thanks again, keep it coming.