Inspection And Maintenance Schedule; Flushing The Cooling System - Mercury 135 Optimax User Manual

Inspection And Maintenance Schedule

BEFORE EACH USE
• 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.
• 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.
• Replace water separating fuel filter. See Fuel System.
• Replace compressor air intake filter. See Compressor Air Intake Filter.
• Inspect alternator belt. See Alternator Belt Inspection.
• Check corrosion control anodes. Check more frequently when used in salt water. See Corrosion Control
Anodes.
• Drain and replace gearcase lubricant. See Gearcase Lubrication.
• Check power trim fluid. See Checking Power Trim Fluid.
• Inspect battery. See Battery Inspection.
•
Check control cable adjustments.
•
Lubricate splines on the driveshaft and shift shaft.
• Check tightness of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.
•
Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating occurs or reduced water pressure is noted).
• Check cowl seals to make sure seals are intact and not damaged.
• Check internal cowl sound reduction foam (if equipped) to make sure foam is intact and not damaged.
• Check that intake silencer (if equipped) is in place.
• Check that the idle relief muffler (if equipped) is in place.
• Check for loose hose clamps and rubber boots (if equipped) on the air intake assembly.
BEFORE PERIODS OF STORAGE
• Refer to Storage procedure. See Storage section.

Flushing The Cooling System

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.
NOTE: Engine can be stopped or running at idle speed when flushing the cooling system. Do not flush engine
using a water system that exceeds 310.26 kPa (45 psi)
1. Remove the plug from fitting in the bottom cowl.
1. These items should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
MAINTENANCE
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