How to maintain my motor?

[Geo2008]

I run a 1999 125 Mercury ELPTO. I keep an eye on the oil level but don't really know anything else to do regarding maintenance.

Exactly what part of the motor is considered the lower unit? Is there something I should be maintaining on the lower unit?

Also, what should I do during the winter? I keep it in the garage but it is not heated, is the motor going to be ok considering the NC winters?

I have only owned a boat for three or four months so I am trying to learn so please forgive the naive nature of my questions.

All good advice appreciated ....

 

[biscayne]

Re: How to maintain my motor?

Sorry, I do not have much input as to your questions (because I am realy new as well) but could you please possibly take a picture of the side of your motor and post it? I have the exact same motor, but the previous owner had the cowl repainted. I would like to get the decals for it but have no idea as to the correct ones.

 

[Geo2008]

Re: How to maintain my motor?

Sorry, I do not have much input as to your questions (because I am realy new as well) but could you please possibly take a picture of the side of your motor and post it? I have the exact same motor, but the previous owner had the cowl repainted. I would like to get the decals for it but have no idea as to the correct ones.

Np problem Biscayne, here is a photo of mine, it is all original paint and decals.

 

[biscayne]

Re: How to maintain my motor?

Thanks a bunch GEO. That will help a bunch. I still don't really know why some were red and some were blue but now I know what it should be. I also see that you are a fellow North Carolinian. Only I don't know the answer to your question about prep because I am in the southeast corner and winters are pretty mild here.

 

[marty53]

Re: How to maintain my motor?

Make sure you have oil and run good quality gas, change you lower unit oil every season, right before you store it for the winter. Change your impeller every year or two (cheap insurance). You'll want to fog the engine before winter storage to make sure there is no unburnt fuel in the engine and carbs. Either empty your gas tanks or add a fuel stabilizer to them in the winter. Your best bet is to get a shop manual for your engine and follow the maintenance procedures in there. You have a nice new engine you shouldn't have many problems.

 

[Geo2008]

Re: How to maintain my motor?

Thanks a bunch GEO. That will help a bunch. I still don't really know why some were red and some were blue but now I know what it should be. I also see that you are a fellow North Carolinian. Only I don't know the answer to your question about prep because I am in the southeast corner and winters are pretty mild here.

I think the blue represents a salt water version of the same motor. Basically it has a few things on it that help with the salt water.

 

[Geo2008]

Re: How to maintain my motor?

you have a nice new engine you shouldn't have many problems.

It is not that new, just well kept, it is 9 years old.