Outboard engine DIY maintenance help

[Kyle S]

I've got a 40 hp mercury 4 stroke that pushes my boat along nicely. I want to keep it running great just like it has been.

What kind of preventative maintenance do some of you guys do yourself? What kind of maintenance qualifies taking it into the shop?

I realize that is a subjective question, and dependent on ones own mechanical ability. 

 

I've had the boat and motor exactly a year. It has right around 40 hrs on it. No maintenance has been performed since i purchased the boat new last year. Outside of checking the oil level, of course. I'm not too sure what else to look for.

 

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

 

[GRiver]

I think the rule of thumb is every 100 hrs or once a year which ever comes first kinda deal. But check your manual about “break in” if that motor is brand new on when you change it.  

I personally change engine oil every year and change lower unit oil and spark plugs and fuel filter. I also change the water pump and thermostat every year. It stays on the water so every year I pull it out and go thru it all. 
I totally know it’s over kill,  but it’s a small out board and not too expensive, plus it gives me peace of mind. 

[Krux5506]

get the motor and lower unit oil changed ASAP, probably shoulda been done earlier since it's a new motor but not the end of the world. I have a 75hp Honda 4 stroke and usually I do upper/lower oil, check plugs but definitely not necessary to replace those every year on that motor, water pump impeller every couple years, fuel filter...All your basics. The funny thing is any time I've brought it to a shop it seems like they never suggest what "should" be done. I've been slacking on annual service on mine because I feel like I'm only using it a handful of times each season. 

[TnRiver46]

Changing motor oil/filter and gear oil is nice and easy, the hardest part will be getting your filter off. Use a really big flat head screwdriver to change the gear oil . 
 

 

[Kyle S]

Thanks fellas!

[HenryPF]

16 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Changing motor oil/filter and gear oil is nice and easy, the hardest part will be getting your filter off. Use a really big flat head screwdriver to change the gear oil . 
 

 

 

That flathead screwdriver you looking for.

 

Changing lower gear lube oil? Here is a pump that don't suck.

 

Use the actual Mercury marine oil - i think it is all the same but guys at BPS said don't use the BPS oil, take that for what is worth.

 

Make sure you get the right fuel filter - mine is the cartridge type versus inline.

 

I have the same motor, runs like a champ.