New guy to the forum with some mercruiser questions

[Nate_06regal]

Hi guys I purchased a 2006 regal 1800 BR last year, Id like to replace the water pump and impeller as I run the boat in the CT river which is loaded with sand and other debris, I am wondering what other maintence should be done to the boat at this time, I am unsure of hours on the boat dealer told me around 150, so my guess is now around 200ish, I am pretty mechanically inclined and can do most repair work myself. My biggest question is should I change the lower end fluid and spark plugs, fuel filter, I already plan to do the oil change and and water pump and impeller, just looking for other tips and what to keep my eye out for. The motor is a 4.3 merc, I have also noticed the drive oil res is slowly dropping with each use I top it off as needed I'm assuming this is not normal. Thanks for any tips and I'm happy to be a part of the forum

 

[TheRussian]

I am in the same boat (no pun intended) as you, just trying to figure all this stuff out as I go along.​

I have replaced my water pump this year - you will need to drain the outdrive oil in order to do that, but that should also be done at least once per year anyway. More experienced boaters/mechanics will give you a better answer, but losing oil after each use does not sound right and may indicate a seal leak? That could become more obvious once you pull the outdrive. Also, get your hands on a service manual, it will tell you all recommended maintenance and intervals.

Good luck!

 

[bspeth]

Read the adults only section at the top of this forum and get back with any questions.

 

[Rick Stephens]

So..... a dealer telling you a 10 year old boat only has 150 hours on it is blowing smoke up your transom. Unless it has an hour meter there literally is no way for him to know, unless it was his very own grandma's boat and she only cruised to church with it on sundays. And if it uses oil, then it has some wear. Figuring out how much will take some investigating. Doing a compression test is probably place to start. And maybe hooking a vacuum gauge to it (a little bit harder than on a car since most often boats don't use vacuum for anything).

As far as maintenance, you need to get in the middle of everything and get a look at all wear parts. First , as you already surmised, is the impeller in the water pump. After that is going to be oil in the outdrive and condition of bellows, shift cables and so on. Reading the adults only section is definitely the place to start your learning. Then ask questions as you come up with them and work on your boat.

You are also going to need a few special tools, starting with an alignment bar to check engine alignment when you pull your outdrive. A drive stand is also useful and best is home built one. Unless you have deep pockets, you'll need to learn how to pull and install the outdrive and do basic maintenance on it and all the other components.

Rick

 

[harleyman1975]

Nate I have an 03 2000 BR (305 Alpha 1 gen 2) and it was using gear lube also. Turned out to be a seal either above or below the water pump...don't remember which one...that was in crooked and allowing a slight amount of lube to leak out.

 

[Bondo]

So..... a dealer telling you a 10 year old boat only has 150 hours on it is blowing smoke up your transom.

Ayuh,.... Up here where the boatin' season for many boaters runs from July 4th to Labor Day, those hours ain't outa line,....

 

[Bt Doctur]

Heck I uses to do that in 1 season

 

[H20Rat]

yeah up in my area 15 hours a year isn't that far below average for A LOT of people. I have 2 neighbors who have relatively new fishing boats that have moved once or twice a year in the last 4 years.

 

[flipbro]

Pressure test your drive. You've got a seal leaking by the sounds of it..

 

[Nate_06regal]

Thanks for all the great info guys. Next weekend I'll be pulling apart the lower unit and doing water pump and impeller hoping the messed up seal is in that area, I also found it very strange when dealer said 150 but wasn't sure if it was some older couple who barley went out. I look forward to learning a lot here and hopefully being able to put my two cents in on some topics as well thanks again

 

[flipbro]

Pressure test before you tear it apart. That way you hnow for sure we're the leak is. Not just guessing and hoping the base seal fixes it.