Did my annual spring service on my Optimax today and took several pics today to make the how to thread I promised awhile back to put in the maintanence sticky. I will have a water pump thread as well. Hope this helps someone who is considering doing it themselves but may be a little unsure. This is how I do it no specific order or anything. Its not that bad lets get started.
Start out draining the gearcase oil. This way the oil can drain as you perform other items since it does take awhile. 3 plugs on this model and they are all on the starboard side of the gearcase. First remove the lower drain plug then the upper 2 plugs. after the gearcase is fully drained this is when you check the oil for discoloration any metallic material or water in the oil. At this stage I also remove the prop to check for line or debris wrapped around the seal. When I re install the prop I always add a film of 2-4-C grease to the spines and shaft.
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Next I move the the VST and fuel filter. To drain the VST there is a black hose connected across both fittings across from each chamber. Remove the hose from one side and place in a clear jar or bowl etc and open the drain with the appropriate size allen wrench. This takes a bit then once the one side is drained switch to the other side with the hose and repeat.
image.jpg. After both chambers are drained this is where the clear jar comes in handy you can inspect the fuel for fuel line debris or any water in the fuel system. This checked out good. Next I pull the fuel filter. VERY IMPORTANT: you need to use the mercury fuel filter tool # 91-896661. Using a screwdriver will break off the tabs. Once the filter is removed inspect it for debris and also be sure to look down into the fuel filter chamber in the VST and check for any fuel line or other debris.
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Here is the old and new filter. Also be sure when you install the new filter to lube the o rings with a light film of merc/quicksilver 2-4-C grease.
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