Inspection And Maintenance Schedule; Flushing The Cooling System - Standard Models; Flushing The Cooling System - Bigfoot Models - Mercury 8.0 User Manual

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MAINTENANCE
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OWNER RESPONSIBILITY
The owner/operator is required to have engine maintenance performed to maintain
emission levels within prescribed certification standards.
The owner/operator is not to modify the engine in any manner that would alter the
horsepower or allow emissions levels to exceed their predetermined factory
specifications.
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INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Before Each Use
1. Check engine oil level. (page 43)
2. Check that lanyard stop switch stops the engine.
3. Visually inspect the fuel system for deterioration or leaks.
4. Check outboard for tightness on transom.
5. Check steering system for binding or loose components.
6. Remote Control Models - Visually check steering link rod fasteners for proper
tightness.
7. Check propeller blades for damage.
After Each Use
1. Flush out the outboard cooling system if operating in salt or polluted water.
(page 67 and 68)
2. Wash off all salt deposits and flush out the exhaust outlet of the propeller and
gear case with fresh water if operating in salt water.
Every 100 Hours of Use or Once yearly, Whichever occurs first
1. Lubricate all lubrication points. Lubricate more frequently when used in salt
water. (page 81)
2. Change engine oil and replace the oil filter. The oil should be changed more
often when the engine is operated under adverse conditions such as extended
trolling. (page 79)
3. Replace spark plugs at first 100 hours or first year. After that, inspect spark plugs
every 100 hours or once yearly. Replace spark plugs as needed. (page 77)
4. Inspect thermostat visually for corrosion and broken spring. Make sure
thermostat closes completely at room temperature.*
5. Check fuel line filter for contaminants. (page 70)
6. Check corrosion control anodes. Check more frequently when used in salt
water. (page 71)
7. Check and adjust valve clearance, if necessary.*
8. Drain and replace gear case lubricant. (page 83)
9. Lubricate splines on the drive shaft.*
10. Remote control models - Check control cable adjustments. *
11. Inspect timing belt. (page 78)
12. Check tightness of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.
Every 300 Hours of Use or Three Years
1. Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating occurs or reduced
water pressure is noted).*
Before Periods of Storage
1. Refer to Storage procedure. (page 85)
* These items should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
GB
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FLUSHING THE COOLING SYSTEM - STANDARD
MODELS
Flush the internal water passages of the outboard with fresh water after each use
in salt, polluted, or muddy water. This will help prevent a buildup of deposits from
clogging the internal water passages.
Use a Mercury Precision or Quicksilver accessory (or equivalent) flushing
attachment.
To avoid possible injury when flushing, remove the propeller. Refer to
Propeller Replacement.
1
Remove propeller (refer to Propeller Replacement). Install the flushing
attachment so the rubber cup fits tightly over the cooling water intake holes.
2
Attach a water hose to the flushing attachment. Turn on the water and adjust
the flow so water is leaking around the rubber cup to ensure the engine
receives an adequate supply of cooling water.
3
Start the engine and run it at idle speed in neutral shift position.
4
Adjust water flow (if necessary) so excess water continues leaking out from
around the rubber cup to ensure the engine is receiving an adequate supply
of cooling water.
5
Check for a steady stream of water flowing out of the water pump indicator
hole. Continue flushing the outboard for 3 to 5 minutes, carefully monitoring
water supply at all times.
6
Stop the engine, turn off the water, and remove the flushing attachment.
Reinstall the propeller.
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FLUSHING THE COOLING SYSTEM - BIGFOOT MODELS

Flush the internal water passages of the outboard with fresh water after each use
in salt, polluted, or muddy water. This will help prevent a buildup of deposits from
clogging the internal water passages.
Use a Mercury Precision or Quicksilver accessory (or equivalent) flushing
attachment.
To avoid possible injury when flushing, remove the propeller. Refer to
Propeller Replacement.
1
Remove propeller (refer to Propeller Replacement). Install the flushing
attachment so the rubber cups fit tightly over the cooling water intake holes.
2
Attach a water hose to the flushing attachment. Turn on the water and adjust
the flow so water is leaking around the rubber cups to ensure the engine
receives an adequate supply of cooling water.
3
Start the engine and run it at idle speed in neutral shift position.
4
Adjust water flow (if necessary) so excess water continues leaking out from
around the rubber cups to ensure the engine is receiving an adequate supply
of cooling water.
5
Check for a steady stream of water flowing out of the water pump indicator
hole. Continue flushing the outboard for 3 to 5 minutes, carefully monitoring
water supply at all times.
6
Stop the engine, turn off the water, and remove the flushing attachment.
Reinstall the propeller.
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WARNING
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WARNING
90-10185R30