Service Intervals Mercruiser V6 4.3ltr Salt water use

[Dudders]

Hi Guys, I am trying to get an idea on servicing intervals (via the Dealer) for my Merccruiser V6 4.3ltrs with Alpha one leg. I have bought this boat 2nd hand with just 35hrs on it (although no hour meter). The boat was less than 6mths old. It was fully serviced before we bought it in March of this year. We have done about 40 hours on it since. All of this is in Salt water only.
EVERY time we use the boat we flush the motor with fresh water for 5 to 10 minutes at the end of the day.
I spray the motor with water repellent spray (like CRC or another product) to keep the water off the motor.
I have heard conflicting reports on when I should get the motor serviced.
Do we do it at the beginning of each Summer or 50hrs or 100hrs or what?
I check the oils etc before each trip out and start the motor and run it for about 5 minutes before each trip as well.
One thing that I haven't done and I am not sure whether I should, is put the motor into drive when I am flushing it. Should I do this?
Any help would be great, because I really am flying (or boating) blind here.
Cheers
Tony

 

[Don S]

Re: Service Intervals Mercruiser V6 4.3ltr Salt water use

Here is a 2001 owners manual. The schedule is the same. Should give you an idea of what needs done.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Owner/gas/86017101.pdf

 

[Wotam]

Re: Service Intervals Mercruiser V6 4.3ltr Salt water use

>"I should, is put the motor into drive when I am flushing it. Should I do this?"

IMHO: Pretty dangerous practice... not recommended unless you have some special reason for doing it like troubleshooting the outdrive. The propeller will chop up anything that gets in its way... garden hoses, pets, people. etc.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Service Intervals Mercruiser V6 4.3ltr Salt water use

Nope on the in gear..in water or not..makes no diff IMO. Flushing will extend the EX Manifold life, and I do the same as you, but use Saltaway after a 5 minute fresh flush..and thats in the slip..

 

[Don S]

Re: Service Intervals Mercruiser V6 4.3ltr Salt water use

Personally, I would use the Salt-Away for flushing the engine, every time. It does a much better job than just water alone.

 

[95yj]

Re: Service Intervals Mercruiser V6 4.3ltr Salt water use

How much saltaway do you burn through on each flush and how expensive is it? Is it something that would still be better to do every couple weeks or would it be a lot more effective every time the boat goes out?

Asking because my boat goes out 3 - 5 times a week in salt water and if spending more on the flushing than new exhuast every 3 - 4 years, then it's not really worth it.

 

[Dudders]

Re: Service Intervals Mercruiser V6 4.3ltr Salt water use

Thanks Don for the Engine PDF, it has proved to be invaluable.
I now realise that I can actually rev the motor without engaging the gearbox
I also have been leaving my boat with the leg in the up position
I now realise doing this can cause problems with the Universal Joint Bellows.
I have left the leg like this for 9 weeks now, does anyone know if I have caused any problems here???????
I will definately get some of that salt-away and use that each time when I flush the motor, so thanks for that info.
Cheers
Tony

 

[Don S]

Re: Service Intervals Mercruiser V6 4.3ltr Salt water use

I have left the leg like this for 9 weeks now, does anyone know if I have caused any problems here???????

9 weeks isn't a big problem. People leave them up all the time, but it helps to leave them down. If you change them every 4 or 5 years, it wouldn't make any difference anyway.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Service Intervals Mercruiser V6 4.3ltr Salt water use

How much saltaway do you burn through on each flush and how expensive is it? Is it something that would still be better to do every couple weeks or would it be a lot more effective every time the boat goes out?

Asking because my boat goes out 3 - 5 times a week in salt water and if spending more on the flushing than new exhuast every 3 - 4 years, then it's not really worth it.

3-5 times week, I would just fresh flush ..gallon cost $35+, 4oz per flush..looking at a buck each time. Sitting for a week or more, a different story..