Question on maintenance of an outboard...

[FishNotWork]

Was looking at purchasing a boat with 50HP Mercury (outboard) motor. I called the local marina and they told me that it would cost about $200.00 to replace the impeller and the gear lube in the lower unit on that motor (roughly).

I wonder how difficult of a job is it to do those two tasks - how many bananas? 1-being easy and 5 being a weekend project with possible purchase of specialized tools and equipment?

I'm a home garage mechanic - I work on my own cars (breaks, belts, turbos, etc) but I've never owned a boat so I don't know what's involved and I am cheap. I would get a manual before starting if I were to do anything in the fist place.

Is this something that one who has more ambition than money could do on their own or is it better to have the marina do it the fist time anyway?!

Thx,
James

 

[robert graham]

Re: Question on maintenance of an outboard...

The waterpump kit with impeller, gaskets, etc. might cost $50 delivered to your house. Google: Mercury Outboard Water Pump Replacement, for lots of info, photos, instructions, etc. I'm just a basic backyard mechanic and I did my water pump last year on my Yamaha 90HP,and it ain't brain surgery at all, about an hour and a half job! Walmart has the Marine Lower unit Oil and the small hand pump for pumping it into the lower drain hole until it comes out the top...really nothin' to that one! A manual for your motor is a good investment, but really doubt you need it for the water pump and lower unit oil change. A whole lot of satisfaction in doing it yourself and you'll learn a lot about your motor as you go! The more you learn and know, the more confidence you'll have and the more money you'll save! Good Luck!

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Question on maintenance of an outboard...

James,

I have a 200 Mercury V6 and I have done both on it and it really is as easy as it get. Get a manual, order parts from iboats. Takes about 1-2 hours total! Not worth the $200.00 IMO.

~Brett

 

[carholme]

Re: Question on maintenance of an outboard...

Post the s/n so we can get you more information. You will have no problem with the jobs you describe.

Gerry

 

[joed]

Re: Question on maintenance of an outboard...

To change the lower oil you need to be able to remove two screw plugs. 1/2 banana
The impeller would be 2 banana or less for someone with your experience. For a first time it would probably take about 1 hour. Ive done mine several times and can do it in half hour. Find a manual because there could be one step you need to know that makes the whole thing work.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Question on maintenance of an outboard...

Before you buy the boat make sure you have good compression. The impellar means nothing it the motor is bad. Also check lowerend fluid for water and the wiring on the motor, cracked/ britle, etc. Does in run?

 

[FishNotWork]

Re: Question on maintenance of an outboard...

That's good information guys. Thanks a lot. The pre-purchase boat inspection that covers compression and electrical check bow to stern is $136.00 at the same marina - that sounds like money well spent, so I'll do that but plan on doing the two maintenance items myself. Thx again.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Question on maintenance of an outboard...

As long it is not the same marina you are buying it from. Private seller?
The other maintance is really a no brainer.

 

[fisherguy123]

Re: Question on maintenance of an outboard...

I bought a 1982 merc 50 last year and changed the impellor and gear oil in about 1 hour.....no problem ......motor was not used in salt water and lower unit slipped right off no problem. H ave done this before on units used in salt water and it`s a different story and they can be very stubborn to impossible.Check for signs of corrosion around the lower bolts and the zinc adnode before you buy!

 

[FishNotWork]

Re: Question on maintenance of an outboard...

As long it is not the same marina you are buying it from. Private seller?
The other maintance is really a no brainer.

Yes, it's a private seller.