Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Little Squeeze on 04/27/12 - 5:22 PM

Question #1- I am changing the oil for the first time in my 2009, 90 HP EFI Mercury. Nothing in my owners manual or videos I have watched on You Tube mention warming up the motor before draining the oil. It only says to run for about 5 minutes after the new oil is in and check dip stick to be sure it has enough. Since this is my first outboard, I'm wondering if warming up prior to draining is not necessary for outboards?
Question #2- When I flush the engine or run the gas out of the lines before winter storage using the hose attachment fitting that goes into the back of the engine, the overheating alarm sounds after a couple of minutes? I thought that is what it was for. Am I wrong? I have had to go to the flushing kit that clamps onto the raw water intake.

Posted by CES on 04/27/12 - 5:43 PM

I don't know much about the four stroke outboards however if the owners manual doesn't mention warming up the motor before an oil change, then I wouldn't do so.

Posted by Phil T on 04/27/12 - 6:54 PM

Run the motor on the muffs attaching to the water intakes on the lower unit.

Do not, repeat NOT run the motor using the hose attachment. You will possibly overheat the motor and damage the impeller.

I always run the motor for 5 minutes before changing the oil. It warms it up and helps drain as much as possible.

Edited by Phil T on 04/27/12 - 6:55 PM

Posted by contender250 on 04/28/12 - 7:10 AM

The reason for running an engine before the oil change is to heat it up to make it easier to drain. I never liked the hose attachments, just could not trust them, I'm old fashion I like using a large drum with water in it to run the engine. I leave the hose running in the drum as the engine is running for any over spill...to each his own