As a responsible boat owner, it's crucial to maintain your Mercury outboard motor to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. One simple yet often overlooked maintenance task is removing your propeller at least once a year, if not more frequently.
Fishing line, whether from your own rod or someone else's, can easily wind up behind your propeller without you even noticing. With every rotation of the prop, the line will gradually cut into your prop shaft's lower unit oil seal. The damage may not be immediate, but over time, the line will continue to dig into the seal, causing your lower unit oil to leak out. If left unchecked, this can lead to severe damage to your lower bearings and gears, or even the entire lower unit.
To prevent this costly issue and minimize downtime, simply remove your propeller and inspect the prop shaft regularly. If you find any fishing line, carefully remove it and apply some waterproof grease to the prop shaft before reinstalling the propeller. Make sure to torque the prop to the proper specifications and set any safety pin that the nut may have.
By taking a few minutes to perform this simple maintenance task, you can save yourself a significant amount of money and ensure that your Mercury outboard motor remains in top condition, ready for your next fishing or boating adventure.