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What should be done during a service

M

mrgrumpy

New member
This is my first year of boat

This is my first year of boat ownership (sportscruiser)and she has just been lifted out for the winter. I have someone coming to winterise and service the Mercruiser 5.0 Thunderbolt and outdrive but have no idea what the guy should actually be doing. Is there any where i can obtain information regarding the essential procedures for both the servicing and winterising??? Just to make sure its all covered. Thanks in advance.
 
"Treat the fuel with stabilize

"Treat the fuel with stabilizer. You should run the engine(s) to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. This tends to allow impurities to be drained away with the oil. You should also change the oil filter(s). Flush all water from the engine(s) with fresh water. Drain all water from systems and then circulate antifreeze through the manifold by using a pickup hose from the water pump to a bucket of antifreeze. Start the engine and allow the antifreeze to circulate until water starts to exit the exhaust. This process will vary slightly depending on whether you have a "Raw Water" cooling system or an "Enclosed Fresh Water" cooling system. While you're in the engine room you should also change the fuel filters. Fog the engine while running, cranking only or just remove spark plugs and use "fogging oil" to spray into each cylinder. Wipe down the engine with a shop towel sprayed with a little fogging oil or WD-40.

Stern Drive (s) - You should thoroughly inspect the stern drive and remove any plant life or barnacles from the lower unit. Drain the gear case and check for excessive moisture in the oil. This could indicate leaking seals and should be repaired. Clean the lower unit with soap and water. If your stern drive has a rubber boot, check it for cracks or pinholes. Grease all fittings and check fluid levels in hydraulic steering or lift pumps. Check with your owner's manual for additional recommendations by the manufacturer.

Pull the out drive to lubricate the U-joints (not required on sealed U-joints) and inspect all the bellows. Replace the OD water impeller if equipped and 2-3 years old. Realign OD to engine. Prep the batteries for winter storage.

That is a general idea of what should be done."
 
"I would suggest that the stee

"I would suggest that the steering system be checked and lubricated as well. Lube the cable as per the owners manual and lube the steering shaft area where the steering arm is bolted to the shaft. I just had a problem in this area which I think was caused by lack of maintenance by the PO.

Guy is correct...this should all be laid out in the manual. You can find your service manual here:
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/sisdata/mainmenu.pdf"
 
Thanks guys.....I really appre

Thanks guys.....I really appreciate your input as I'm now able to speak to the mechanic to ensure that all the important stuff is carried out. Much appreciated.
 
"Also, be sure the outdrive is

"Also, be sure the outdrive is stored in the down position. Not only is this where it normally runs--the bellows takes a set in the stored position, and down is what you want--it also keeps water from entering the housing and cracking it. Finally, duct tape the exhaust openings closed to keep the critters from crawling up inside there.

Jeff"
 
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