MerCruiser Tow Sports 5.7 MPI, User Manual

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Section 5 - Maintenance
90-865253073 DECEMBER 2007 Page 53
Maintenance Point Color Codes
Blue Coolant
Yellow Engine oil
Orange Fuel
Brown Transmission
Do‑It‑Yourself Maintenance Suggestions
Present day marine equipment, such as your Mercury MerCruiser power package, are
highly technical pieces of machinery. Electronic ignition and special fuel delivery systems
provide greater fuel economies, but also are more complex for the untrained mechanic.
If you are one of those persons who likes to do it yourself, here are some suggestions for
you.
• Do not attempt any repairs unless you are aware of the Cautions, Warnings and
procedures required. Your safety is our concern.
• If you attempt to service the product yourself, we suggest you order the service manual
for that model. The service manual outlines the correct procedures to follow. It is written
for the trained mechanic, so there may be procedures you don't understand. Do not
attempt repairs if you do not understand the procedures.
• There are special tools and equipment that are required to perform some repairs. Do
not attempt these repairs unless you have these special tools and/or equipment. You
can cause damage to the product in excess of the cost a dealer would charge you.
• Also, if you partially disassemble an engine or drive assembly and are unable to repair
it, the dealer's mechanic must reassemble the components and test to determine the
problem. This will cost you more than taking it to the dealer immediately upon having
a problem. It may be a very simple adjustment to correct the problem.
• Do not telephone the dealer, service office or the factory to attempt for them to diagnose
a problem or to request the repair procedure. It is difficult for them to diagnose a
problem over the telephone.
Your authorized dealer is there to service your power package. They have qualified factory
trained mechanics.
It is recommended you have the dealer do periodic maintenance checks on your power
package. Have them winterize it in the fall and service it before the boating season. This
will reduce the possibility of any problems occurring during your boating season when you
want trouble free boating pleasure.
Inspection
Inspect your power package often, and at regular intervals, to help maintain its top
operating performance and correct potential problems before they occur. The entire power
package should be checked carefully, including all accessible engine parts.
• Check for loose, damaged or missing parts, hoses and clamps; tighten or replace as
necessary.
• Check plug leads and electrical leads for damage.
• Remove and inspect the propeller. If badly nicked, bent or cracked, contact your
authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer.
• Repair nicks and corrosion damage on power package exterior finish. Contact your
authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer.