2006 Mercury 15hp 2-stroke service

[chriswjallen]

Hi All,
My outboard is due a service. Given the simplicity of these engines, should I try this myself? If so, are there any do’s/don’ts, or any instructions online/service kits available?
Any views or advice gratefully received.
Thanks, Chris

[Steve509926]

Hi Chris, not sure why you haven't had a flood of replies!
If it was my 2006 2 stroke, I would definitely service it myself.
Loads of vids on YouTube re servicing and I'm sure there are a few step by step posts on this forum (think Fenlander did one) maybe not 15hp merc, but it would give you a guide of what to do.

[chriswjallen]

Many thanks Steve. I am going to give it a go!

[Max...]

One I posted on the impeller to start but run a search for Mercury Mariner 15 and loads should come up.

https://www.rib.net/forum/f36/mercur...nge-62410.html

[TmMorris]

Definitely have a go. It's really strait forward and there will be videos on YT.

It's a good way to get to know your outboard better and personally, I find it quite cathartic.

Just follow best practice for undoing bolts and don't rush that side. Especially if one is a little stubborn.

The ones to be careful with are the four holding down the impeller housing.

[chriswjallen]

Appreciate the responses - very useful

[Fenlander]

Great motors these... maintenance so easy and well covered cross this and other forums plus Youtube. Start by going through the service items in the owners manual. Ask us about any specific procedure.

[Fenlander]

This should cover your motor...

http://www.baads.org/wp-cms/wp-conte...nual_PART1.pdf

Page 1B-3 lists the service schedule.

[chriswjallen]

Thank you Fenlander

[chriswjallen]

Hi All
I’ve bought a service kit to do this, but have a couple of questions:
1) Will the spark plugs come with the correct 1.5mm gap or do I need to buy some feeler gauges?
2) is there a tool to squeeze the gearbox oil, or does a tube normally come with the oil?
Many thanks
Chris

[Fenlander]

I was taught to never assume... so yes plugs are mostly pre gapped but a plug feeler gauge is a basic must have item for servicing.

If you buy the "toothpaste" tube type gearbox oil they usually have a plastic nozzle that will thread itself into the drain thread (you fill bottom up) and the tubes are easy to squeeze by hand.

[chriswjallen]

Spot on, thanks

[TmMorris]

Plugs should have the correct gap (crudely, a thumbnail) but I'll still check (with my thumbnail) just in case someone has dropped it and put it back on the shelf.

Re gearbox oil, if it's in the tube then just wedging it into the lower hole and gently squeezing until it comes out the upper hole is all Ive ever had to do. With the larger bottles they often come with the tube and 'syringe'.

I think that the only part of the service that I found 'new' compared to mucking about with cars and lawnmowers was the silicone grease for the impeller. You want to make sure you wipe the housing and all over the impeller but avoid any globs, clumps etc as they might go up the intake and potentially cause issues, although the heat from the engine makes it unlikely to gum for long!