Tune Up 2000 Mercury 50HP

[LDG62]

This is my first post on the site. I have been reading a lot and finally decided to post a question. I have a 16 foot skiff with 2000 mercury 50HP that I just bought from a neighbor. To make a long story short the neighbor got the boat when he bought the house from two little old ladies who had bought the boat new in 2000. He has owned it for 3 or 4 months and has not done a thing to it. The boat fires up fine and seems to run OK. Now that I am the new owner I would like to get the boat up to speed with its maintenance and start keeping records of what is done to it. The marina wanted 500 to do a tune up but I think I have worked with enough engines that I am going to tackle this one my self. From my reading I gather that I need to change the gear lube and make sure the seals are good. I have also read that I need to change the zincs and maybe the fuel filter/plugs. What else can I do to get this boat in shape for the fishing season? The marina was saying replace the impeller and adjusts the carbs and check lines for tightness. Any help would me great.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Tune Up 2000 Mercury 50HP

The first thing to get is a manual that covers your motor. Iboats sells them. The manual will give you detailed instructions as to maintaining your motor. Water impeller should be replaced every other year. Doing this is a lot easier with the manual. Fuel lines and carbs should still be good however if old gas is in motor you may have trouble starting it. You might want to start by getting rid of any old gas and replace with fresh 50 to 1 gas. Make sure you use outboard motor oil instead of just any 2 cycle oil if this motor is a 2 stroke. I would check spark plug tips. If this is a two stroke you will want to see a little bit of black oil residue on the tips. It is better to run these motors a little on the rich side instead of the lean side. Here is a link for a manual and welcome to Iboats<br /> Seloc manual

 

[LDG62]

Re: Tune Up 2000 Mercury 50HP

Ok well thanks for the info i just placed the order for the manual. the gas in the motor is ok becasue i have already ran the boat. i just dont think the old lady who owned the boat before me ever did anything to it. she got the motor brand new in 2000 and i bet she did nothng to it. so if there is anything else i should look for please let me know.