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Random Quote: Be sure your right, and then go ahead........
I was wondering if insight can please be provided regarding spring commissioning/tune up? I currently have a 2001 150HP Mercury EFI Saltwater XL outboard. One of the obvious things to do is replace the fuel filters/separators both on the boat and motor. The lower unit oil was already changed when I winterized. What about the following?
-Thermostats (last replaced 5/17/2006)
-Water pump (last replaced May 2004)
-Spark plugs (last replaced 5/17/2006)
-Poppet valve (don't know what this is)
Is there anything I should do with the hydraulic steering system? What about the power tilt/trim? Anything else I am forgetting?
-Thermostats -check/clean/replace every 2 years
-Water pump -replace every 2 years/200 hours
-Spark plugs -replace yearly(carry spares)
-Poppet valve (replace w thermostats)
-hydraulic steering system - check fluid level and top off, replace and bleed if more than 3 years old
grease propshaft
check zincs and replace if needed
grease all fittings on engine, check manual for lube points
Clean battery terminals
Probably forgot some stuff too !
__________________ "Ahhhh, a man, his dog and his boat....life could be worse!!"
OK so I spoke with one service center...they estimated $650 plus parts (approx $150) so around $800. Couple questions...is the water pump the same thing as impeller? Also, is "VST" fuel filter different from the fuel filter on the both the boat and engine?
$650 BOHICA - Bend Over Hear It Comes Again. All of it should take you about 3 hours, a good mechanic, about 1 hour. Get the manual and do it your self.
$650 BOHICA - Bend Over Hear It Comes Again. All of it should take you about 3 hours, a good mechanic, about 1 hour. Get the manual and do it your self.
I purchased the manual. It does have a lot of the information and I will attempt some of the stuff myself. It didn't include info on the impeller, water pump, thermostats, or poppets though. Any info on how to maintain a hydraulic steering system? If I attempt myself, any good online stores to purchase the materials from? I don't want to go to Westmarine and pay tons for their overpriced stuff. Much thanks!!
The impeller is part of the water pump assembly. I would recomend getting the kit, includes impeller, gaskets, base plate, woodruff key, housing, and bolts/washers.
The hydraulic system manufacturer will have maintenance instructions on their web site, basically replacing old fluid and bleeding the air out.
Plenty of places online for parts, but I'd go to the dealer, get the factory parts and build a relationship at the same time.
__________________ "Ahhhh, a man, his dog and his boat....life could be worse!!"
The impeller is part of the water pump assembly. I would recomend getting the kit, includes impeller, gaskets, base plate, woodruff key, housing, and bolts/washers.
The hydraulic system manufacturer will have maintenance instructions on their web site, basically replacing old fluid and bleeding the air out.
Plenty of places online for parts, but I'd go to the dealer, get the factory parts and build a relationship at the same time.
I'll admit I haven't looked at the manual yet but why does hydraulic steering fluid need to be replaced? It's a closed loop so isn't it just like car power steering? Change it every 10 yrs whether you need to or not....
The impeller is part of the water pump assembly. I would recomend getting the kit, includes impeller, gaskets, base plate, woodruff key, housing, and bolts/washers.
The hydraulic system manufacturer will have maintenance instructions on their web site, basically replacing old fluid and bleeding the air out.
Plenty of places online for parts, but I'd go to the dealer, get the factory parts and build a relationship at the same time.
I'll admit I haven't looked at the manual yet but why does hydraulic steering fluid need to be replaced? It's a closed loop so isn't it just like car power steering? Change it every 10 yrs whether you need to or not....
I've heard to simply top it off. Which is what I am going to try to do pending I figure out how to.
joshs - 3/27/2008 9:58 AM
If I attempt myself, any good online stores to purchase the materials from? I don't want to go to Westmarine and pay tons for their overpriced stuff. Much thanks!!
If you purchased the Merc OEM service manual - good move.
As a DIYer, I've used both Merc and Yamaha OEM manuals.
Merc procedures are well written, with excellent supporting pics.
Advise getting a 3/8 torque wrench in inch/lbs units.
I bought a Husky from Home Depot to 250 inch lbs.
Works great on the smaller water pump, t-stat and poppet bolts.
Would add to the good advise from other posts above -
For the fuel filter - get a 10 micron Racor with the see thru bowl at the bottom.
Expensive but worth the price in allowing you to see any potential developments (water separation, excessive sediments, etc).
Spring commissioning/tune up 
