What Would You Check/Replace on a Used Mercruiser

[anon1]

Hello,

Not a pre-sale survey but once you've boughten that 20yr old boat with the I/O. It's in cherry condition and runs smooth and strong. But before you were to take the wife out on an overnight boat campout what would you be sure to service?

I'm thinking fuel filter, (is there one in the tank? also), what's that a water seperator or something looking filter? Change the oil? plugs?

I know that the lower part of the stern drive was replaced with brand new recently and that is all.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: What Would You Check/Replace on a Used Mercruiser

Hello,

Not a pre-sale survey but once you've boughten that 20yr old boat with the I/O. It's in cherry condition and runs smooth and strong. But before you were to take the wife out on an overnight boat campout what would you be sure to service?

I'm thinking fuel filter, (is there one in the tank? also), what's that a water seperator or something looking filter? Change the oil? plugs?

I know that the lower part of the stern drive was replaced with brand new recently and that is all.

I would change the water separating fuel filter & examine the ujoint bellows......
I would not do any tuneup stuff until I took it out on the water & put it through its paces....

 

[Dante04SRT]

Re: What Would You Check/Replace on a Used Mercruiser

EVERYTHING.

Before you buy:

Check compression
Check oil color (as to make sure its not milky)
Check drive oil (make sure its still green)

After you've bought:

REPLACE impeller
change all fluids
change plugs (cheap, easy)
change everything else as the need arrives.

 

[mikey.himself]

Re: What Would You Check/Replace on a Used Mercruiser

I would definately inspect your belows, make sure your batts are in good working order, make sure you check the oil, change any filters, and other than that..if the drive has been looked at, hope for the best!

 

[MercMonster]

Re: What Would You Check/Replace on a Used Mercruiser

Make sure the bilge pump works and hopefully you have an extra on board.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: What Would You Check/Replace on a Used Mercruiser

Bring tools with you & spare parts(sparkplugs/belts/ect) dont forget the cellphone.

 

[thunderroad]

Re: What Would You Check/Replace on a Used Mercruiser

Even if the lower unit was just replaced, I'd check the gear lube level at the upper. If the input seal is leaking on the upper unit it could have that part low enough to cause problems. It wouldn't necessarily be a visible leak. It could just be filling the u-joint bellows. This I found out the hard way a couple years ago.
Also...if you're going far, I'd check the wheel bearings on the trailer axle(s). For peace of mind, if nothing else.
I'd take along a battery booster/jumper pak too. Easier than fooling with an extra battery.