Mercury 4-Stroke Service: What Do I Need to Do?

Oil Change:

• Change your oil using only Genuine Mercury parts and oils for the highest quality and longevity.
• Contact us for all the necessary genuine Mercury parts to do the job right.
• If your engine has an oil filter, change it with every service to collect loose particles.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

• If your engine has a fuel filter, replace it on every service after the initial 20-hour service.

Lower Unit Oil (Gear Oil or Lower Unit Grease):

• Drain the lower unit oil by removing the fill and drain screws.
• Check for signs of water in the lower unit, which will come out first as it's heavier than oil.
• Inspect the color and consistency of the old oil for any abnormalities or signs of premature gear wear.
• If you notice metal particles in the oil, consider taking your motor to an Authorized Mercury Outboard dealer.

Refilling Lower Unit Oil:

• Use new gaskets for the fill and drain screws, and remove the old gaskets to prevent leaks.
• Use a Mercury lower unit oil pump to refill the oil through the bottom drain hole.
• Never attempt to fill from the top hole, as this will trap air and lead to internal gear and bearing damage.

Propeller Maintenance:

• Remove your prop on every service to check for fishing line and prevent damage.
• Grease your prop shaft with waterproof grease before reinstalling.
• Familiarize yourself with prop removal in case you need to replace a damaged prop.

Fuel Management:

• If your gas has been in the tank for too long, drain it and use it in your automobile if it's not too old.
• Fill your tank with fresh gas for your outboard.
• Always add Mercury Quickcare and Mercury fuel stabilizer to your gas, especially if you're not buying new gas at least once a month.

Conclusion: By following these essential steps during your Mercury 4-stroke outboard's regular service, you can ensure that your engine remains in top condition and continues to deliver optimal performance for years to come.