Inspection; Maintenance Schedule - Sterndrive Models; Routine Maintenance; Each Day Start - MerCruiser 4.3L TKS Sterndrive Owner's Manual

• If you attempt to service the product yourself, we suggest you order the service manual for that model. The service manual
outlines the correct procedures to follow. It is written for the trained mechanic, so there may be procedures you don't
understand. Do not attempt repairs if you do not understand the procedures.
• There are special tools and equipment that are required to perform some repairs. Do not attempt these repairs unless you
have these special tools and/or equipment. You can cause damage to the product in excess of the cost a dealer would charge
you.
• Also, if you partially disassemble an engine or drive assembly and are unable to repair it, the dealer's mechanic must
reassemble the components and test to determine the problem. This will cost you more than taking it to the dealer immediately
upon having a problem. It may be a very simple adjustment to correct the problem.
• Do not telephone the dealer, service office or the factory to attempt for them to diagnose a problem or to request the repair
procedure. It is difficult for them to diagnose a problem over the telephone.
Your authorized dealer is there to service your power package. They have qualified factory trained mechanics.
It is recommended you have the dealer do periodic maintenance checks on your power package. Have them winterize it in the
fall and service it before the boating season. This will reduce the possibility of any problems occurring during your boating season
when you want trouble free boating pleasure.

Inspection

Inspect your power package often, and at regular intervals, to help maintain its top operating performance and correct potential
problems before they occur. The entire power package should be checked carefully, including all accessible engine parts.
• Check for loose, damaged or missing parts, hoses and clamps; tighten or replace as necessary.
• Check plug leads and electrical leads for damage.
• Remove and inspect the propeller. If badly nicked, bent or cracked, contact your authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer.
• Repair nicks and corrosion damage on power package exterior finish. Contact your authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer.
Maintenance Schedule ‑ Sterndrive Models

Routine Maintenance

NOTE: Only perform maintenance which applies to your particular power package.

Each Day Start

• Check the crankcase oil (interval can be extended based on experience).
• Check the drive unit oil level, the trim pump oil level, and the power steering pump or compact hydraulic steering fluid level.

Each Day End

• If operating in salt, brackish or polluted waters, flush the cooling system after each use.

Weekly

• Check the water inlets for debris or marine growth. Check the seawater strainer and clean. Check the coolant level.
• Inspect the drive unit anodes and replace if 50 percent eroded.

Every Two Months or 50 Hours

• Lubricate the propeller shaft and retorque the nut (if operating in only freshwater, this maintenance may be extended to every
four months).
• Operating in saltwater or brackish or polluted water only: treat the power package with Corrosion Guard.
• Check the battery connections and the fluid level.
•
Ensure that the gauges and the wiring connections are secure. Clean the gauges.

Scheduled Maintenance

NOTE: Only perform maintenance which applies to your particular power package.

After the Initial 20 Hour Break-In Period

To help extend the life of your Mercury MerCruiser power package, we reccommend the following:
• Change the engine oil and filter
• Change the sterndrive lube.
1. If operating in saltwater, interval is reduced to every 25 hours or 30 days whichever occurs first.
90-8M0053265 NOVEMBER 2010
Section 5 - Maintenance
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