Advice for a newbie!

[kc10wingz]

I am planning to do my first bit of preventative maintenance on my '98 120.:% My first question is about my fuel water seperator - is it as simple as unscrewing the filter and replacing or is it more involved? Second what kind of lube should I use for my engine lube points? Also what kind of gear oil do I need to change out my lower unit oil?
Thanks!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Advice for a newbie!

The very first thing you need to do is to buy a repair manual.
The Clymer Force repair manual is about the best for your motor.

About the fuel water separator, if it is a normal one, yes, that is all there is to it.
If it is a Racor type with the clear bottom and a drain valve, you can usually get by with just draining what is in the cup.

Gear oil - lower unit gear lube for marine use, any one that is NOT labeled as "type C". You will need 23 ounces of lube for that gearcase, so pick up a quart, and get one of those $7 pumps that fit onto the top of the bottle to pump it into the gearcase.

For grease, a marine grade grease, many brands to choose from, each has its own name. Some guys swear by one brand over another. Some guys subscribe to the "any grease is better than no grease" motto, and use whatever they have in the grease gun. Since you are in Gulfport area, you will probably be venturing into saltwater, so get a good marine grade grease.

You should be able to get these items at any marine shop.

 

[kc10wingz]

Re: Advice for a newbie!

Thanks for the tips! I have ordered a Clymer manual but I'm still waiting for it to show up. There's another question I have - I've heard from several people that one of the first things they do when buying a used outboard is to change out the water pump. I've also heard some sage advice from others: If it's not broke don't fix it! My engine has a strong jet of water now so should I wait until it looses pressure or should I just change it now? Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Advice for a newbie!

Ok, let me answer your question, with a question or two.

How old is your impeller?
What is its condition?
Has it been run through sandbars?
Do you want to do this now, in the off season, or later when you want to be using the boat?

I would change it.
Its pretty easy to do and will give you some peace of mind.

 

[kc10wingz]

Re: Advice for a newbie!

I don't know the age of the impeller. I bought the boat in Nov 06 - the old owner said he just did the minimum upkeep - flushing, decarbing, changing plugs, etc. He owned it for two years so I'm assuming it is at least two years old. Don't know about the sandbars - he mostly ran it in the bay in Pensacola and up a nearby river. I'm leaning towards changing it also, just waiting on that dang manual! Any idea on the cost?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Advice for a newbie!

My questions were rhetorical.

The correct answers are:
I don't know,
I don't know,
I don't know,
But if I change it now, I WILL know, and I will be out boating when the season picks up.

Cost:
The impeller is $24.48 from a Mercury dealer.
The entire water pump kit is $111.90

You can get these a little cheaper if you go with non Mercury parts, but then you will have to pay for shipping.

If there is corrosion or pitting in the pump, replace the entire pump.

Happy Boating.

Feel free to ask more questions as you start working on her.