Hey guys,

since I just bought this boat I am looking at ways to freshen up the motor and drive and was wondering where to start. What are some parts you guys would look at replacing or at least checking for wear. What are some of the maintainance that you guys do each year that I should be keeping up on. I realize that I am approaching the end of season and want to make sure I have taken good care of this boat as a new owner.

I have come to the conclusion that the gimbal ring is worn and am looking into the JR marine fix to that problem. Getting ready to do an oil change as well. However, are there other things that need to be replaced? fluids to be topped off? things to be greased?

I am somewhat mechanically inclined when it comes to cars, I'm just still trying to learn my way around this "marine" engine stuff lol.

Thanks for the help/advice,

Seth

I will follow this thread for sure as I have some of the same questions. Good thread

Two great minds think alike? lol.

Seth

When I bought mine, it was 16 years old. Not knowing what had been changed, I changed everything:

Hoses (water & gas, left oil hoses for now)
Belts
Plugs
Wires
Cap & Rotor
Oil
Drive oil
PS fluid
Power trim fulid (pulled out what I could and replaced)
U joints (with greasable units, Merc replacements are 'lifetime' lubed)
Gimbal bearing (with one that can be greased, most cannot now)

I tackled the gimabl reapir this spring using the JR method. Mine wasn't in terrible shape, but it made a huge difference. Replaced all the bellows and hoses while in there.

JR method is the only way to go

Unless you want to pull the engine

I would changs all fliuds to make sure no moisture in there to freeze in the nice CO winters, Grease gimbal bearing and scince you are going to be pulling the drive to repair swivel shaft look at u-joints and grease them and grease the drive shaft as well. Try to use most of your fuel as it will be setting for a bit and treat fuel (stabil). Oh yea make sure to winterize the engine for sure, or you wont be having any fun come spring time

Thanks a million, as horrible as this sounds I almost can't wait for the bad weather so I can start tearing into this thing!

By the way motor is a Mercruiser carbed 502, bravo 1 drive, 21p five blade prop.

Thanks,

Seth

Yearly, change the water sep, oil, oil filter, drive oil, grease all the zerks you can find. That's about it for routine maint.