How do I change my oil?

Discussion in 'Outboards' started by Brylk1830, Jun 22, 2008.

  1. Brylk1830
    Joined: Mar 2008
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    Location: Wisconsin

    Brylk1830 Junior Member

    I have a 97 4O hp 3 cylin Mercury outboard and i'm wondering how to change the oil?
     
  2. tuantom
    Joined: Jan 2005
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    Location: Chicago

    tuantom Senior Member

    I could be wrong; but I'm pretty sure you have a 2-stroke. Therefore - you don't unless you're talking about the gearcase.
     
  3. marshmat
    Joined: Apr 2005
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    Location: Ontario

    marshmat Senior Member

    A '97 Merc 40 is most likely a two-stroke.

    Engine lubrication in these comes from the TCW2 or TCW3 oil that you are either mixing with the gas or pouring into the oil injector tank every few trips.

    Changing the gearcase oil is usually a once-per-year procedure for typical pleasure boats (if you put on a lot of hours, change it mid-season too). Is this what you're talking about?
     
  4. Brylk1830
    Joined: Mar 2008
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    Location: Wisconsin

    Brylk1830 Junior Member

    My engine does have 3 cylinders but in my maintenance and warranty manual it briefly mentions Quicksilver NMMA/BIA Certified TC-W3 2-cycle outboard oil.
    It also is of the oil injection type so I don't need to mix oil with the fuel each time. I'm wondering how to drain the oil that's in the oil injection system and replace it?
     

  5. marshmat
    Joined: Apr 2005
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    Location: Ontario

    marshmat Senior Member

    Generally speaking, you don't. If you accidentally put a bad batch of oil or the wrong kind in there, you can unbolt the tank and remove the pickup hose to drain it. But generally you just keep that tank topped up and the outboard will decide how quickly to burn it off.
    You don't have to use Merc's Quicksilver brand. Any marine 2-stroke oil with the TCW3 rating will work. And I'm not aware of any problems with blending different brands in there, so long as they all meet the TCW3 rating.
     
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