As a boat owner, regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your vessel running smoothly. One important aspect of maintaining your Mercury outboard motor is changing the oil. Here’s a step-by-step guide on motor.
First, gather your supplies. You’ll need a fresh oil filter, a gallon of new oil, a drain pan, a pair of pliers or a filter wrench, and an oil filter wrench. You’ll also want to make sure that your outboard motor is on a trailer or securely tied up to a dock before starting.
Next, warm up the engine by running it for a few minutes to get the oil flowing. Then, shut off the engine and locate the oil filter. On most Mercury outboards, the oil filter is located on the lower front part of the engine.
Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. Once the oil filter is loose, use your hand to remove it and set it aside. Be sure to have your drain pan underneath to catch any oil that might drip out.
Next, locate the oil drain plug, which is usually located on the lower rear part of the engine. Place your drain pan underneath the drain plug and use a pair of pliers to twist it counterclockwise to loosen it. Then, use your hand to remove the plug and let the used oil drain out.
Once all the used oil has drained out, replace the drain plug and tighten it by hand. Then, install the new oil filter by coating the gasket with a small amount of new oil and twisting it onto the engine by hand. Tighten the filter with your filter wrench until it’s snug.
Finally, add the new oil. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct type and amount of oil to use, and pour it into the oil filler on the top of the outboard. Be sure to check the oil level with your dipstick to make sure it’s at the proper level.
Changing the oil in your Mercury outboard motor is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools and a little bit of know-how. Regular oil changes will ensure that your outboard motor continues to run smoothly and efficiently, and will help prolong its lifespan. So, make sure to follow these steps and keep your motor in top-notch condition. Happy boating!