MerCruiser 8.1 H.O., User Manual

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Section 5 - Maintenance
Page 64 90-899883273 MARCH 2008
Changing the Oil Filter
1. Remove and discard oil filter.
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2. Coat the sealing ring on the new filter with engine oil.
3. Install and tighten the oil filter securely following the filter manufacturer's instructions.
Do not overtighten.
4. Remove oil fill cap.
5. Use the dipstick to determine the amount of engine oil required. Replace the dipstick.
6. Add the required amount of the recommended oil to bring the level up to the bottom of
the OK range on the dipstick.
7. With the boat at rest in the water, repeat steps 5 and 6 if necessary.
NOTE: Adding 0.95 L (1 US qt) of engine oil raises the level from the add mark to the top
of the OK range.
All Models Capacity Fluid Type
Engine oil (with filter) 8.5 L (9 US qt) Mercury Full‑Synthetic MerCruiser Engine Oil 20W‑40
8. Start the engine and operate for three minutes, checking for leaks.
9. Stop the engine and allow the oil to drain into the oil pan for approximately five minutes
with the boat at rest in the water.
Transmission Fluid
Checking While the Engine is Warm
1. Velvet Drive Transmissions ‑ Stop engine and quickly check fluid level by turning
T‑handle counterclockwise, to remove dipstick. Fluid level should be up to full mark. If
low, add specified fluid through dipstick tube on transmissions.
2. ZF Marine Transmissions ‑ Stop engine and remove dipstick to check level. If fluid is
below top (Full) line, add specified fluid through dipstick hole. Do not overfill. Reinstall
dipstick with cap fully seated.
Checking While Engine is Cold
NOTE: Cold Fluid Level Check: To ease checking the fluid level, the dipstick can be marked
or scribed with a cold level mark.