Inspection And Maintenance Schedule - Mercury 225 User Manual

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.

Inspection And Maintenance Schedule

BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level. See Fuel & Oil - Checking and Adding Engine Oil.
• Check that lanyard stop switch stops the engine.
• Visually inspect the fuel system for deterioration or leaks.
• Check outboard for tightness on transom.
• Check steering system for binding or loose components.
• Visually check steering link rod fasteners for proper tightness. See Steering Link Rod Fasteners.
• Check propeller blades for damage.
AFTER EACH USE
• Flush out the outboard cooling system if operating in salt or polluted water. See Flushing the Cooling System.
• Wash off all salt deposits and flush out the exhaust outlet of the propeller and gearcase with fresh water if
operating in salt water.
EVERY 100 HOURS OF USE OR ONCE YEARLY, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST
• Lubricate all lubrication points. Lubricate more frequently when used in salt water. See Lubrication Points.
• 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. See Changing Engine Oil.
• 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. See Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement.
• Inspect thermostat visually for corrosion and broken spring. Make sure thermostat closes completely at room
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temperature.
• Check engine fuel filter for contaminants. See Fuel System.
•
Check engine timing setup.
• Check corrosion control anodes. Check more frequently when used in salt water. See Corrosion Control
Anodes.
• Drain and replace gearcase lubricant. See Gearcase Lubrication.
•
Lubricate splines on the driveshaft.
• Check power trim fluid. See Checking Power Trim Fluid.
• Inspect battery. See Battery Inspection.
•
Check control cable adjustments.
• Accessory drive belt inspection. See Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
• Check tightness of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.
•
Check flywheel nut tightness.
•
Check idle speed.
•
Check control cable adjustment.
EVERY 300 HOURS OF USE OR THREE YEARS
•
Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating occurs or reduced water pressure is noted).
EVERY 400 HOURS OR FOUR YEARS
•
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Check oil pump.
•
Check/replace timing chain tensioner.
•
Check and adjust valve clearance, if necessary.
These items should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
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MAINTENANCE
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