masher44

Hi All, I have an 03 525 EFI/ Bravo XR with about 70 hours on it. My plan this winter is to, (other than the obvious change of all fluids):

Impeller
check all hoses etc.
change serpentine
scan ECM
set timing
Align outdrive
pull drive and grease U Joints and Gimbal
install relief valve for lower water pressure

Does anyone recommend anything else to be done? I like to be there with the mechanic during the process to learn so any additional suggestions by anyone would be greatly appreciated or anyone who has a 525 that can give me some insight on any problems they discovered during the first 100 hours or any additional items to e replaced/fixed as preventative measures. I used the boat only 16 hours this summer and 50 last summer with no problems (other than fuel pump this year, of which I changed the regulator valve). I run it hard about 15% of the time in freshwater. I am switching to M1 20w-50 oil & M1 filter, and Redline Heavy gear lube. Thanks a Bunch, Jim

restabr

I've heard the 525's like to have the spark plugs changed every 100 hours. I've also heard that some of the ecu's are being re-programmed by merc to address transom sooting (mine are currently en-route to be re-programmed).

Like Masher I'd like to hear any other suggestions I've got 77 hours on 04 models.

masher44

I did my plugs and impeller two weeks ago. No problems there. I figure there must be someone here who has more than us. Everyone I see at the lake has nothing but rave reviews about them.

masher44

Had the ECU re-programmed twice and still have soot. Very common from what I have been told... no cures yet unless I hear from someone on the board otherwise.

rotax

i have a 525\ 2005 in a 288 sunsation with// its xr drive 75 hours
i fouled plugs at 30 hours had ecu reprogramed awesome ever sence.
no moore soot for me boat stays allott cleaner. i just winterized it on
sunday sad to see it go for winter . overall this engine runs great
still smell fuel but it likes it.
changes all fluids ran antifreze through it greased all fittings.
i might change plugs in spring.

robyw1

Well the way to get rid of soot is lower the fuel pressure. BUT it is dangerous to do that because it will lean out on the top end. I'm sure what merc is doing is shortening the injector PW and advancing spark at idle and maybe cruising speeds when you send it in for a revised program. I wish I could see the scan of one that had this problem.

Roby

robyw1

I recommend you leave the timing alone. No reason I can think of that it should be off.

Roby

skaterboy

You should replace the Fuel Filter on the top of the engine if you still have the originals. I had a problem with mine where they rusted out and caused a fuel leak by the treads. The replacements we installed we sprayed with clear lacquer so they wouldn't rust.