Change fluids end of season or beginning of season?

Since the engine is a '93, you probably don't have the remote-mounted oil filter.
LD, not sure what mean about remote but merc oil filters been hung off the port risers since ‘89.
 
Since the engine is a '93, you probably don't have the remote-mounted oil filter.
LD, not sure what mean about remote but merc oil filters been hung off the port risers since ‘89.
His '98, if it was originally fuel injected, would have had a remote mounted filter (mounted up top). Possibly that item was kept when putting the new (well, "old", technically) engine in. Otherwise, it would be mounted down low, on the back, port side of the engine, not the manifold. It would have been in the same place it was when the engine was mounted in a truck - screwed directly into the block.
 
Where can I get new seals and washers for the outdrive?

I seen the outdrive pump at Walmart so I'll grab that. What kind/weight outdrive oil/lube do I need for alpha one gen two?



Stabil is already in the fuel and ran through from last 2 outtings. I'm going to top off gas and add more stabil, I just read other people using fuel enzyme and others so was curious if stabil by itself was good enough.

I think my oil filter is normal, the original 1998 motor was carb as well, well that's what the cover says. I had bought spark plugs going by the carb cover information but then found out the motor was changed and my research now shows that I can't use those plugs (mr43lts). It seems like I need mr43t plugs.
 
Also, when changing the outdrive oil...do you do it with the drive up in trailer position or fully down?
 
Horn, can I make a suggestion? This obviously seems like your first rodeo with all this - and while we all start somewhere, maybe you don't want to go to your first rodeo alone. You've got a lot of money sitting there in "metal" and one little mistake can equate to thousands of dollars of repairs. Maybe for this year, hire someone to do it that doesn't mind you watching and learning. You may be the handiest guy in the world - but it's worth a few bucks in the long run to learn from someone with experience.
 
Horn, can I make a suggestion? This obviously seems like your first rodeo with all this - and while we all start somewhere, maybe you don't want to go to your first rodeo alone. You've got a lot of money sitting there in "metal" and one little mistake can equate to thousands of dollars of repairs. Maybe for this year, hire someone to do it that doesn't mind you watching and learning. You may be the handiest guy in the world - but it's worth a few bucks in the long run to learn from someone with experience.
Great advice, here! If you are pleasant and ask reasonable questions, most mechanics are happy to help educate you. You are on the steep side of the learning curve, Horn, and you obviously are keen to do things right. My only added comment is to use quality parts and fluids. With filters, buy the best. There are no true bargains on this stuff.
 
I figured in the down position but again I seen elsewhere it didn't matter so i wanted to ask. I'm pretty hands on and can do what needs to be done, I just want/need to know the proper steps to do so. Especially since I see conflicting information on the site and the internet.

I'd love to watch/help if somebody was going to do so. But then I'm hoping a stranger knows what they're doing and does it the right and proper way. Is anybody in Maryland that would like to lend a hand?
 
I figured in the down position but again I seen elsewhere it didn't matter so i wanted to ask. I'm pretty hands on and can do what needs to be done, I just want/need to know the proper steps to do so. Especially since I see conflicting information on the site and the internet.

I'd love to watch/help if somebody was going to do so. But then I'm hoping a stranger knows what they're doing and does it the right and proper way. Is anybody in Maryland that would like to lend a hand?
There is t much on a boat a novice can't learn. Look at the link in my sig for proof lol Sometimes the cost of admission is a little steep, but so is everything in the end you'll still usually spend far less than if you brought it to a mechanic. You're doing the right thing. Come here and go to offshore only to research a little with the search function first.
None of this is brain surgery.
 
I figured in the down position but again I seen elsewhere it didn't matter so i wanted to ask. I'm pretty hands on and can do what needs to be done, I just want/need to know the proper steps to do so. Especially since I see conflicting information on the site and the internet.

I'd love to watch/help if somebody was going to do so. But then I'm hoping a stranger knows what they're doing and does it the right and proper way. Is anybody in Maryland that would like to lend a hand?
Filling the drive while in the up position potentially creates a large air pocket near the prop. You’ll have to top off the reservoir many times once you start running next season.

Fill it with the drive down.
 
Makes sense to me. When I do the change in the outdrive oil, how do I go about the reservoir? Fill it first, last, etc
 
Fill it last.

connect your hose to the lower drain plug hole. Fill from the bottom. Once oil starts coming out of the upper hole, put that plug in and then continue pumping, check the reservoir after every 10 pumps.

I think it’s somewhere in the 20-30 pump range to get oil into the reservoir on my B3 once the upper plug is installed. Your Alpha would probably be similar.

As mentioned earlier, lots of good questions but lots of expensive hardware. No harm in finding a mechanic to do this and show you the first time.
 
Sounds easy enough. I just wanted to be sure.

If I knew someone I trusted then trust me, I'd have help but I don't know anyone off hand. Any ody want to come to Maryland to show me? I'll buy dinner!
 
Down where you are, there must be a decent selection of marine repair shops that you could hire. You're pretty close to Annapolis, right? That's a huge boating area.
 
Yes plenty of places. Not sure a shop would let a stranger hang out and help though.
 
Yes plenty of places. Not sure a shop would let a stranger hang out and help though.
Not so much "help", but depending on the shop and whether you get friendly with them (buy some stuff), they may let you observe. All depends on the shop - but could be worth some conversations.
 
Got her all taken care of. Was simple after all your guys help and guidance. I appreciate all the help.
 

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