On Apr 14, 1:34*pm, "Robert M. Gary" wrote:
I'm looking through the previous owner's service receipts on my 03
Bayliner 185 (4.3L) boat. The dealer is charging $600 to change the
engine and drive oils. This seems like something I should be able to
do myself. However, I'm trying to find out the following...

1) Does my engine have an engine oil drain or do I have to pump it
out?

2) I see that changing the drive oil requires some sort of kit to pump
the new oil up the drive unit. I don't see anyone who sells this pump.
Is this something an owner can reasonably buy?

3) Does my boat have an outdrive water pump? The engine has a standard
car water pump so I was surprised to see references online to a sterm
drive water pump as well. The previous owner said something about
having to change a water pump every 2 years.

4) I believe I have an "Alpha" drive. I see there is a zerk fitting on
the outdrive. However, I don't see anything in the manual regarding
what should be put in it (standard grease?) and how often/why.etc.
Usually zerks are put on places that require regular lubing.

The dealer quotes $1000 to do an annual maintenance. I'm thinking I'm
handy enough that I should be able to do some of this myself.

-Robert

Robt. save about $950.00 and do it yourself. Get a Mercruiser book
from ebay for alpha drives .They're pretty common and you cn get them
from $25-40.00 depending on condition. They are comprehensive and will
tell you exactly what to do.

changing oil is hard to do. you can reach the drain on the crank case
but it's buried down under the engine. plus the only way to drain the
oil is to take it off and unfortunately it will leave a very
undesiareable gloppy mess down in the bildge. A punp would be
recommended to suck the oil out of the dip-stick tube, and they arn't
really expensive.

th lower end water pump is located inside the lower end. it push's
water up to the engine, then the engine pump takes it from there. that
is unless it's an enclosed system, but chances are you're is a fresh
water or "total loss system. Changing the lower end pump isn't really
that difficult if you follow the instructions. To pull the lower end
change the pump and re -install takes abotu 45 min. to a hr. or at
least that's been my experience. and you can do it with common tools.
nothing specialty.

To change the lower end oil , you can do that with a squeeze tube that
the oil is provided in. after draining the lower end oil, you take the
tube and cut the end off to the desired opening size , shove into the
drain hole, and squeeze like crazy. thsi forces the oil up to the
top.

Thats my view in a nutshell, but get a book. it will make procedures
practaclly fool proof.

BTW, the book WILL provide you with 99.99 % of the knowledge you'll
need about the engine, drive, and necessary adjustments to keep your
boat running well.