Maintenance Schedule-Sterndrive Models; Routine Maintenance - Mercury MerCruiser Service Manual

Maintenance
Task Interval
Every 100 hours or
annually
(whichever occurs first)
Every 300 hours or 3
years
(whichever occurs first)
Maintenance Schedule—Sterndrive Models

Routine Maintenance

NOTE: Only perform maintenance that applies to your particular power package.
New Bravo sterndrive installations may require as much as 470 mL (16 fl oz) of gear lube added to the monitor bottle during the
break‑in period (20 hours of running time). It is important to monitor and maintain the gear lube level during the break‑in period.
During the initial drive installation, air may be trapped in the top of the driveshaft housing. This void is filled from the gear lube
monitor during the sterndrive break‑in period. As the air is purged from the sterndrive through the monitor bottle, the lube level
in the bottle will drop.
Task Interval
Each day start
Each day end
Weekly
Page 1C-6
• Touch up the paint on the power package.
• Change the engine oil and filter.
• Inspect and replace the water‑separating fuel filter and replace if debris is visible.
• Inspect the condition and the tension of the belt.
• If the condition of the spark plugs, spark plug wires was satisfactory at the initial inspection (as
listed in Every 300 hours or 3 years), inspect the condition of these components every year
and replace as necessary.
• Check the crankcase ventilation hoses and inspect the PCV valve, if equipped.
• Change the transmission oil and filter where applicable. This should be done once a year or
every 300 hours, whichever comes first.
• Check the remote control cable neutral position on the transmission. Adjust if necessary.
• Inspect the transmission anode once a year. Replace if over 50% eroded.
NOTE: The anode should be inspected more often when exposed to brackish or saltwater.
• Check the engine mounts for tightness and tighten to specifications if necessary.
• Clean the flame arrestor.
• Inspect the condition of the spark plugs, spark plug wires. Replace as necessary. If the
condition of these components is satisfactory at inspection, repeat inspection every 100 hours
or once a year, whichever occurs first.
• Check the electrical system for loose, damaged, or corroded fasteners.
• Check the cooling system and the exhaust system hose clamps for tightness. Inspect both
systems for damage or leaks.
• Disassemble and inspect the seawater pump and replace worn components.
• Inspect the exhaust system components. If the package was equipped with water shutters
(flapper valves), verify that they are not missing or worn.
• Replace the vent valve on each exhaust elbow (port and starboard).
• Check the engine oil level. (You can extend this interval based on experience with the
product.)
• Check the sterndrive gear lube level.
• Check the trim pump oil level.
• Check the power‑assisted steering pump or the compact hydraulic steering fluid level,
depending on the steering system of your model.
• If operating in saltwater, brackish water, or polluted water, flush the seawater section of the
cooling system after each use.
• Check the water inlets for debris or marine growth.
• Check and clean the seawater strainer, if equipped.
• Check the coolant level.
• Inspect the sterndrive anodes and replace if eroded 50% or more.
• Verify the operation of the MerCathode module, if equipped.
© 2016 Mercury Marine
Maintenance to Be Performed
Maintenance to Be Performed
90-8M0099748 eng DECEMBER 2015