Couple of quick questions 1988 5.0L Mercruiser

[garyoNC]

I do not know a lot about I/O drives, this one is an Alpha !. I have no manuals.

1) Almost mounted on the transom is what looks like a reservoir and pump assembly. I think it is the hydraulics for the out-drive. What type of fluid is used in there?

2) The power steering fluid is low, what should I use there?

3) What weight and type of engine oil should I use?

4) I think it is a 305c.i. Chevy, is the oil filter still located in its original position? Man thats going to be hard to get to.

I would like to buy the manuals but at about $75 from Mercruiser thats a lot of money. Anybody have any ideas? Are the Chilton manuals any good?

Thanks all,
Gary

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Couple of quick questions 1988 5.0L Mercruiser

I do not know a lot about I/O drives, this one is an Alpha !. I have no manuals.

1) Almost mounted on the transom is what looks like a reservoir and pump assembly. I think it is the hydraulics for the out-drive. What type of fluid is used in there?
Inside the boat?.....Yes

2) The power steering fluid is low, what should I use there?
Power steering fluid......

3) What weight and type of engine oil should I use?
I use straight 30, but Merc 25W-40 is probably better for you....

4) I think it is a 305c.i. Chevy, is the oil filter still located in its original position? Man thats going to be hard to get to.
Yep! & access will vary boat to boat.....
Alot of people add a remote....

I would like to buy the manuals but at about $75 from Mercruiser thats a lot of money. Anybody have any ideas? Are the Chilton manuals any good?
You need Merc manual # 9......
They turn up on ebay, if you can wait....
Here is a free online link for your drive....
Click on the lettered sections on page seven to download the section that you want to view.....
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Thanks all,
Gary

Hope this helps.....
PS, don't waste your money on anything but the real McCoy as far as manuals go!....

 

[garyoNC]

Re: Couple of quick questions 1988 5.0L Mercruiser

Haut,

Thanks for the info and the answers. What type of hydraulic fluid should I use? Can I use just regular 10w-40 high quality automotive engine oil? Actually there was an old bottle of straight 30w in the bilge area, here in NC it does get quite hot and I do not think we will use the boat in the winter. Maybe straight 30w would be better?

Thanks again,
Gary

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Couple of quick questions 1988 5.0L Mercruiser

Power steering fluid as well.....
What color is in it now?.....
I suppose any Dextron II or better ATF will work just fine....
As far as oil.....
You can run anything you want, but I will stick with my previous suggestions for oil......
I really think 25w - 40 is best.....
There are a zillion oil threads in the 'search' function, ya might want to surf......​