When (and what) to service

[nicksharpe]

My Avon has a well-maintained 2006 60hp Mariner EFI on the back. I have service records going back to its purchase from its previous owner. Last winter I decided to learn how to service it myself, having only done 32 hours on it since purchase a year earlier.

I:
- changed engine oil
- changed oil filter
- changed gearbox oil
- replaced oil filter
- greased swivel bracket, tilt tube and steering cable
- checked fuel filter
- checked timing belt
- checked power trim fluid
- replaced the thermostat
- greased the prop shaft

What with 2020 being a sub-par boating year I've again done <40 hours on the engine, and wanted to know whether I need to do any of this again this winter.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by nicksharpe

My Avon has a well-maintained 2006 60hp Mariner EFI on the back. I have service records going back to its purchase from its previous owner. Last winter I decided to learn how to service it myself, having only done 32 hours on it since purchase a year earlier.



I:

- changed engine oil

- changed oil filter

- changed gearbox oil

- replaced oil filter

- greased swivel bracket, tilt tube and steering cable

- checked fuel filter

- checked timing belt

- checked power trim fluid

- replaced the thermostat

- greased the prop shaft



What with 2020 being a sub-par boating year I've again done &lt;40 hours on the engine, and wanted to know whether I need to do any of this again this winter.

Personally I’d just do a few basic checks. Crack the drain plug on the gearbox & check for water. See what the engine oil looks like. Remove the prop & check for fishing line around the prop shaft seal. Grease the prop shaft. Maybe change the fuel filter unless you have a separate filter/water separator (which you should have)

[neil.mccrirrick]

All looks good the only thing I can't see is an impeller change dependent on when it was last sone

[spartacus]

Seems comprehensive. What Neil said regards checking impeller.

I do an impeller change every 2 years now. Just ordered parts for a service myself, although I barely did any hours last year.

Worth putting the battery on trickle charge and testing. Depends how it's stored? I also give the wiring a cursory glance over, emery cloth on positive and negative cables to starter motor, etc. You might be able to save renewing spark plugs, but given they are relatively inexpensive but critical, I'd change them out too. You can keep 'em as spares.

[nicksharpe]

Thanks all, useful as ever. Some supplementary questions based on your answers:

- How do I find out which impeller I need? Spec isn't in the manual
- How do I spot water in the gear case oil?

Cheers

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by nicksharpe

Thanks all, useful as ever. Some supplementary questions based on your answers:



- How do I find out which impeller I need? Spec isn't in the manual

- How do I spot water in the gear case oil?



Cheers

Re. Water in gearbox oil. With the engine vertical. Crack the bottom drain plug & allow a few drops of oil to ooze out. It should look clear & “oil like”. If it’s creamy or contains droplets of water then drop the lot out & change. Also check the drain plug, they are usually magnetic in order to trap any metal fragments that wear off the gears. A few bits that look like iron filings is normal. If there are lump of metal....ouch🥴

[Salty Pete]

May I suggest you buy a service manual.

[gpsguru]

On a merc / mariner 60EFI the impeller change is every 3 years or 300 hours, whichever comes first.
However, the impeller condition should be checked on each annual service.

Given the low hours you have, it should fine.