Maintenance ?

[redr8er]

Hello,
Let me first say that I am a boat newbie. I recently purchased my first boat a 2002 Sea Ray 176. The gentlemen that I purchased the boat from changed the oil every 40 hours but no additional maintenance. The engine is a 3.0L Mercruiser and has 139 hours on it. I am interested in what maintenance I should do at a minimum and then what additional maintenance to do at a maximum. Thanks for your opinions/knowledge.

Redr8er

 

[wvsundancer]

you will need your drive unit fluids changed.. fuel filter, spark plugs, drive belts inspected, battery checked-fluid level? did you get the owners manual ???

 

[redr8er]

Thank you for the reply. I did get the owners manual. I actually have two on is labeled something like installation manual and the other is owners or operators manual. The battery is new this year and appears to be in good working condition. Also the belts/hoses all look to be in good condition. When you say drive unit fluids changed can you be more specific please. Thanks again for the information.

 

[wvsundancer]

your outdrive that the prop is attached to contains drive fluid that needs to be changed evey year.. you would be wise to take it to a shop or dealership so your bellows and lower unit can be inspected..

 

[Firerooster]

I agree, take it to a marine service center and pay to have it all done. Impellers, oil, gear oil, fuel filter, bellows, lube shift cables, pull drive and service it, leak test, retorque bolts, inspect transom seal, etc. Start right, educate urself this season b4 u dive into do it urself

 

[redr8er]

That is exactly what I was thinking! Just for my knowledge any clue as to how many man hours a service center would estimate the work you listed to take? I think most of the service places charge by the hour plus parts, and oil here.

 

[OldSkool]

All good suggestions. It's the little things that get missed if you don't know what to look for. Things like, the gear oil needs to be pumped in from the bottom of the drive until it flows out the fill hole at the top. This keeps air from being trapped in the drive. When air is trapped it takes the space where oil should be. Also make sure you use marine grade parts. They're marine grade for a reason. If you have any questions we'll be glad to help where we can. These folks on this site have a great wealth of knowledge.

 

[Firerooster]

That is exactly what I was thinking! Just for my knowledge any clue as to how many man hours a service center would estimate the work you listed to take? I think most of the service places charge by the hour plus parts, and oil here.

I would on the safe side plan on about 400.00 plus parts. Doubt it would be that much. But since I suggested a complete service that's a good ballpark figure.

 

[kgraber]

I just had a complete service on mine and it ran me $375.