Tuneup Recommendations Please

[JimmyOOOOO]

I was hoping I might be able to get some suggestions on what equipment to buy and where to get it on the internet for an impending tuneup on my newly acquired boat.

It's a 1992 Maxum 2100 SC with the 4.3l Mercruiser.

I had to have the carb rebuilt, and the mechanic told me I should change the oil, plugs, wires, cap and rotor.

So where is a good (inexpensive) place to order this stuff from, and what are some good brands to use.

Also, I've never done a tune-up on an I/O before, so any tips or tricks you have to offer would be MOST welcome!

Thanks in advance!

 

[JimmyOOOOO]

Re: Tuneup Recommendations Please

Which plugs would you recommend for my specific application?

Also, I've heard there's a special tool for changing the oil in a I/O boat, does the iboats store sell that as well?

 

[ColaTM]

Re: Tuneup Recommendations Please

I am a 30 year boater but just a noob when in comes to repair and maintenance. I had to use a vacuum system in my I/O. You can pay anywhere from $20-$200 for these as some have automatic pumps. I got mine from west marine on sale for $29. Basically it's a hose that goes down through the dipstick tube into the oil pan and with a few pumps it creates a vacuum that sucks the oil out.

That was the easy part. If you plan to relube the outdrive, get some clear advice from these guys regarding how for your particular unit. I followed some bad instructions (not from here) and it's going to cost me about $1500. These guys on here really know their stuff and can steer you straight.

Have fun!

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Tuneup Recommendations Please

Other than the oil change and cramped space it's the same as a tune up on a auto. Make sure you have the correct marine parts and go for it. A good manual can be the best tool you have in the tool box and can save you big$ it will pay for its self quick. There are a number of ways different folks use to do an oil change look around/search this forum to find out choose one and give it a try. I'm not sure about a V6 but my merc V8 has a few plugs that are tricky to get in and out because of the manifolds, if that is the case on yours finger tighten as far as possible then use the socket, U-joints and super stubby extensions help too. You can also use an old plug wire with the boot/cap still intact to get your plugs started so as not to risk a cross thread. My last tune up I used the iridium plugs IMO they are NOT worth the price tag as I have not seen ANY gains in performance, mpg, startup, etc. I would just use the AC plugs it calls for and keep the old ones in the tool box(after a good cleaning) just in case you have an issue on the lake. Don't know if its been done or not but remember your outdrive (impeller and lube) if you don't know its history or last service might be worth looking at or having someone look at.

 

[dontask]

Re: Tuneup Recommendations Please

How did this certified engine mechanic determine the wires, plugs, rotor and cap need to be changed? Did he do a resistance check on the plug wires? Are they jumping to ground other than at the plug? Is the cap & rotor corroded or cracked? Did he water test it or run it on muffs after the carb rebuild and trouble shot the engine? I can see spending money on oil, grease, filters, impeller, alignment, but don't waste money on items that are not failing.

 

[JimmyOOOOO]

Re: Tuneup Recommendations Please

before the carb rebuild, it was running absurdly rich... so I would guess that's why he said to replace the plugs and change the oil. The boat has been sitting for about 3 years, and hadn't had a full tune-up for a couple years before that... I would guess that's why he recommended the wores, cap, and rotor.

What are these "oil, grease, filters, impeller, alignment" of which you speak?

 

[ziggy]

Re: Tuneup Recommendations Please

personally, i use mercruiser parts on my mercruiser. aftermarket parts may be cheaper, but they are copies of oem parts and sometimes sub standard...

go to the adults only sticky at the top of the i/o forum and read the summerization/winterization thread. these are the things that need to be done at end of or beginning of the season. it's also a good place to start when you don't know what service has been performed on your rig...

like the previous poster said. get the oem service manual for your rig. it will have all the facts in it regaurding

What are these "oil, grease, filters, impeller, alignment"

 

[gadget73]

Re: Tuneup Recommendations Please

I also use the Merc parts. Their plugs are usually either AC Delco, or now they've been superceded with an NGK. Sometimes you can get those at a regular parts store, but its hit or miss. WIres, I've used MagStars, but the Merc wires seem to hold up better and fit better. Increasingly I find that OEM parts are *the* thing to use, both on water and on land. You do get what you pay for, but sometimes you'll pay so little more for the OE stuff that its simply not worth being cheap about it. Breaking down sucks a lot more than spending some extra coin on quality parts.

 

[JimmyOOOOO]

Re: Tuneup Recommendations Please

Thanks for the info guys!

Grabbed the service manual and took a quick look at the winterization/summeriization info.

Just trying to avoid making as many newbie mistakes as possible...