Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Properly maintain your Mercruiser tilt-and-turn mechanism (for watercraft). Change the oil every year, or more often if you notice problems.

Steps

1. 1 Determine which engine model you have.
2. 2 Read the instruction manual. More information can be found on the Sterndrives website.
3. 3 Buy the right amount and the right type of oil with a little stock.
4. 4 Buy a small hand pump that fits over the oil can to fill the unit.
5. 5 Place a clean oil drain container under the engine to drain the old oil from the bottom of the engine.
6. 6 Remove the bottom drain plug (plug) using a screwdriver.
7. 7 Remove the top vent plug.
8. 8 Let the oil drain completely.
9. 9 If your engine has an internal oil container (bottle), remove it (container) from the mountings and discard the old oil. Look at the bottom of the container. If you see residue on the bottom, remove it and rinse it out with a carbohydrate cleaner. Make sure the bottle is clean and dry.
10. 10 If the old oil looks and smells bad, it could be a sign of a problem.
11. 11 Check the engine oil for metal particles or water intrusion.
12. 12 If the oil looks bad and you suspect a problem, fix it before deciding to go to a car service.
13. 13 If the oil was just old and smelly, flush the engine with new cleaning oil.
14. 14 To flush, fill the engine from the bottom hole with a sufficient amount of oil, then let it drain completely. DO NOT USE Waste Flushing Oil.
15. 15 Use a fine, pointed pick and remember to remove the old drain plug gaskets from the drain and vent holes. Never reuse an old drain plug gasket. Old gaskets become brittle and hard like stone. Look carefully through the hole and use a pickaxe to make sure any old gaskets have been removed. Purchase new drain plug gaskets and install over the cleaned plugs.
16. 16 Fill the engine from bottom to top until oil flows out of the top or side vent.
17. 17 Install the top vent plug with a new gasket and tighten.
18. 18 If your engine has an internal oil container, continue pumping oil until the capacity reading is approximately 2.5 cm. If you don't, the top block will not lubricate properly.
19. 19 Remove the oil pump from the bottom hole and quickly install the bottom plug along with a new gasket.
20. 20 Wipe off any remaining oil.
21. 21 If your engine has an internal oil reservoir, add oil to the last mark. Be aware that the engine may have an air bubble and the system may burst out after starting. This can cause the oil level in the bottle to drop. Just fill it up with clean oil and watch it. Check if the tank cap is loose to avoid overpressurizing the system. System pressure will create confusion when you remove the pump from the bottom port.

Tips

• Find the location of your drain plugs ahead of time.
• Replace any damaged drain plugs.
• Prepare a lot of rags.
• Use factory-supplied lubricating oil.
• Stuck drain plugs can be removed with an impulse screwdriver.
• Bravo One and Bravo Two engines must have removable supports to access drain plugs.
• Make sure engine switch is fully DOWN.
• The water in the motor lubricant is milky.
• Water in engine oil will destroy your engine.
• The work area must be clean.
• It is a good idea to remove the unit every season to inspect the gimbal and adjust the engine.
• Keep your tools ready.

Warnings

• Drain old oil properly.
• Remove the stand for safety.
• Disconnect the (minus) wire from the battery before removing the stand.
• The oil can be harmful and can be absorbed through the skin, so use gloves.
• The actuator may be under pressure and oil may splash out and get into your eyes. Use safety glasses.
• Double check that you have tightened the plugs securely.

What do you need

• More than enough factory oil.
• Small plastic oil pump to fill oil from the bottom hole.
• Large, wide screwdriver.
• Oil drain container.
• New drain plug gaskets.
• Rags.