Re: 20 Hour service (mdwhitten)
Mike:
Mercury recommends that the engine be serviced at 20 hours (there's even a space in their "Dealer Reporting System" for this service to be recorded).
Normally, a 20 hour service consists of GEAR LUBE Change, Computer Diagnostic printouts (and check for problems), Visual inspections, and VERIFICATION of TORQUE on jackplate, engine mounting bolts, steering hardware, and Gearcase Mounting Hardware.
Replacement of additional parts would be on an "as-needed" basis (filters, spark plugs, etc. as needed).
Keep in mind, however, that under ALL circumstances, future service intervals are at "Once per YEAR, or every 100 hours, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST". Proper completion of recommended maintenance is MANDATORY to receive the benefits of any "Promotional" product protection plan that you may have received at "no charge" with your engine (beyond the standard 3 year Factory Warranty). http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
Re: 20 Hour service (EuropeanAM)
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by EuropeanAM »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Mike:
Mercury recommends that the engine be serviced at 20 hours (there's even a space in their "Dealer Reporting System" for this service to be recorded).
Normally, a 20 hour service consists of GEAR LUBE Change, Computer Diagnostic printouts (and check for problems), Visual inspections, and VERIFICATION of TORQUE on jackplate, engine mounting bolts, steering hardware, and Gearcase Mounting Hardware.
Replacement of additional parts would be on an "as-needed" basis (filters, spark plugs, etc. as needed).
Keep in mind, however, that under ALL circumstances, future service intervals are at "Once per YEAR, or every 100 hours, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST". Proper completion of recommended maintenance is MANDATORY to receive the benefits of any "Promotional" product protection plan that you may have received at "no charge" with your engine (beyond the standard 3 year Factory Warranty). http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
</td></tr></table>
Don, so for all of us that have the "Promotional" product protection plan, did we void it by doing our own maintenance? Would Mercury deny a future claim in years 4 &5 based on this?
I currently have 40hrs and my motor runs great. The only service in my area is the local BPS, which I don't really trust to work on my boat. So to avoid the BPS hassle and save some $$ I changed my own gear lube at 20 hrs and I check all the bolts every other time out. I was planning on doing all my own maintenance on my new boat, just like I have always done with my other boats in the past.
Do I need to rethink this plan and get my boat serviced ASAP to keep my warranty in effect?
Re: 20 Hour service (Baja 252)
Going by the "book"... the terms of the <u>promotional</u> warranty require that all recommended maintenance be performed utilizing Mercury/Quicksilver components, by an authorized dealer. Mercury can request proof of proper maintenance in the event of a Promotional Warranty claim.
That being said... I would recommend keeping RECORDS of all of your maintenance. Parts receipts, and a simple logbook. Perhaps not a bad idea to consider having a local dealer perform a checkup, including Computer Diagnostic printouts (this is something that you more than likely CANNOT do on your own).
I have a few customers that do prefer to perform most of their own maintenance. Being as they've purchase the parts from us, and then bring the boat in for a checkup/verification, we work with them to ensure the service is properly recorded (after verification).
A list of recommended maintenance items (so you can see what might be expected) is available at:
http://www.bbcboards.net/zerot...gines