preventive maintence for outboard

[just-relax]

what is a good preventive maintence plan for mercury 125 hp , year 2000 outboard engine

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: preventive maintence for outboard

Install a water separating filter between tank and engine.

 

[just-relax]

Re: preventive maintence for outboard

Outboard Motor Care

It's easy to keep your outboard in tip-top shape, even if you're not a mechanic. A little TLC and preventive boat motor maintenance facilitates safe boating and can keep your motor running well and reliable for years to come.

After Every Trip
■After every outing, flush out the engine. This doesn't just apply to salt water adventures, but to fresh water outings as well.
■Buy a set of "rabbit ears": two flexible rubber seals connected with a metal clamp. Slip the apparatus onto the lower unit where the water is picked up and attach a garden hose.
■Start up the engine and let the water pump do the rest. (Practice safe boating and remember to stay clear of the prop and make sure no one tries to shift the motor into gear.)
■While you're flushing the motor, check the water pump to make sure it has good water flow. Carefully put your finger through the stream of water. It may be warm, but it shouldn't be hot. If the output is not strong, you may have some debris stuck in the outflow tube. Immediately shut down the engine to prevent overheating and damage.
■Insert a small piece of wire into the flow tube and work it back and forth. Start the engine again and check the output. If that doesn't solve the problem, you may need a new water pump.
■After flushing the engine, disconnect the fuel line and allow the engine to burn all the fuel in the carburetor.
■Once you've finished the flushing and run the engine out of fuel, be sure to turn off the key and, if you have a battery switch, turn it off.
■Take the engine cowling off and check for fuel or water leaks. If you find leaks, consult your safe boating mechanic.
■Wipe everything down and spray with an anti-corrosive like WD 40 or Quick-lube. Be sure to lubricate all the moving parts such as the shift and throttle cables, carburetor valves, etc.
■Replace the cowling and wipe it down. Keep a canvas or plastic cover on the engine between trips.
■Always use fresh fuel. At the end of the season, boat motor maintenance should include draining your tanks and taking the fuel to the proper recycling authority.
Regular Maintenance
■Periodically check the fuel line for cracks and worn spots.
■Make sure the fuel primer bulb is not cracked and is pliable.
■Make sure the fuel-line fittings seat properly and don't leak.
■Check the clamps on the fuel line for rust or corrosion.
■Check the fuel tanks for damage and corrosion.
■Check the tank vent to make sure it aspirates properly.
■Check regularly for water in the fuel.
See Also
■Spring Start-Up Checklist
■Pre-Departure Checklist
■Safety
.
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.. Boat Maintenance
Basic Boat Maintenance
Outboard Motor Care
Pre-Departure Checklist
Spring Start-up Checklist
Semi-Annual Checklist
Winterizing Your Boat








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[just-relax]

Re: preventive maintence for outboard

Preventative Maintenance Check List For Your Outboard Motor

Maintenance Item
Each
Use
As Needed
20 Hour
Check
Annually
Or Every
100 Hours (1)

Anticorrosion Anodes
I
R

I

Battery Connections
I, T


I

Engine Warning System
I


I

*Safety Items





*Emergency Stop Switch & Lanyard
I
R
I
I

*Mounting Hardware, Clamp Screws
I, T
I, T
I
I, T

*Fuel & Oil System Components
I
R
I
I

*Steering Friction
I
A
I
I

*Steering Cable
I
L
I, L
I, L

Rinse & Flush (Salt Water Use)
P




External Finish - Wash & Wax

P

P

Lubrication Points (grease) (2)

L
L
L

Propeller & Propeller Shaft



I, L

Gearcase Lubrication


R
R

Power Trim & Tilt Fluid


I
I

Power Steering Belt, Fluid & Filter


I
R (500 hrs)

Tune-Up

P

P

Decarbonize Pistons



P

Spark Plugs

R
I
I

Ignition Wires


I
I

Fuel Filtering Servicing


P
P

Engine Operating Temp-Water Pump (3)


I
I, R

Electrical Connectors


I
I

Cylinder Head Screws


T
T

Fasteners, Screws, Nuts & Clamps


I, T
I, T

**4-Stroke Engine (Additional Items)





**Engine Oil Level
I




**Engine Oil & Filter


R(10 hrs)
R (200 hrs)

**Valve Tappets


I(10 hrs)
A (200 hrs)

**Timing Belt

I (100 hrs)



**Low Pressure Fuel Filter

R(400 hrs)



**High Pressure Fuel Filter (EFI )

R(1000 hrs)



**O2 Feedback Compensation (EFI )

P (200 hrs)





Key: A = Adjust I = Inspect L = Lubricate P = Peform R = Replace T = Tighten/Torque

Notes: (1) Which ever comes first (unless indicated differrently)
(2) Special frequency requirements-such as salt water use. Refer to owners manual.
(3) Over heating caused by a faulty "Water Pump" is one of the most common causes of
outboard engine breakdowns.

 

[redeye1962]

Re: preventive maintence for outboard

This is great information. I do have one question about the draining of the gas tank. If you have an aluminum gas tank I heard it is better to keep the tank full to keep it from corrosion on the inside and from water building up in the fuel. Using a fuel stabilizer would help keep the gas in good shape. Is this true?