Outboard engine service tips

Hi. I bought a mercury 2 stroke 60hp (2005) outboard.
I bought it last year, but the seller told me that it was never serviced. The reason was it has less than 200 hrs from new, i am getting it a full service through a mercury marine agent/Machanic and fitting a new impeller just to be on the safe side.
Can anyone tell me a cheaper way to do it myself next year

A general service on an outboard as part of routine maintenance is a piece of cake and very easy to carry out yourself. You're only changing plugs, gear oil and impellor on a 2 stroke. Seriously, a half hour to an hour will do it and there's nothing to it. Plenty of guides and vids online on how to do it if you have a google.

As Pete mentioned it's handy enough, but only for those mechanically inclined. If you could do a basic service on a car, you'll be fine.

I would 100% change everything if it's not had a service before.

Plugs are handy, just don't over tighten.
Impeller can be a little tricky, but there are many guides that should see you through.
Lower unit oil can be a bit tricky. You can get a small pump type device that attaches to the bottle & to the fill hole on the outboard. It make this job very easy & is well worth the few quid.

If in doubt at all, look to get it done by a mechanic. It might be worth doing anyway for the first one as he will also give it a look over for you and let you know if it's 100%.

Best of luck with the new lump.

Kev

Also include:

Give under the cowl a good clean with a sponge and spray with anti corrosive spray. Grease the throttle linkage, gear linkage etc.
With a grease gun, grease the external grease points.

Hi Lads. Thanks for the replies.
Think i will service my outboard myself next year, impeller replacement is only needed every 3 years so the engineer said. So i will invest in a few quicksilver sprays and oils ect next year.
A full service from a main dealer costs a fortune

Shop around for a full service and inspection. I would not take the boat out without it personally. I would be very worried about the impeller specifically. The boat has done few hours and the impeller blades might have stiffened over time and could go at any time.

Also, Give DDM marine in Dublin a call. Their details are on the site and they come highly reccommended. It would be worth traveling down for the first service. Peace of mid would be worth it

Kev