New 50 hp Mercury oil change: Since all marine service shops I have called and checked with....they all give me a 3-4 week waiting period for boat service. Was thinking about just...

Jbn Loc: Mississippi

Since all marine service shops I have called and checked with....they all give me a 3-4 week waiting period for boat service.

Was thinking about just changing the oil myself.....is there any problems or pitfalls I should be aware of before doing it myself?

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Jbn wrote:

Since all marine service shops I have called and checked with....they all give me a 3-4 week waiting period for boat service.

Was thinking about just changing the oil myself.....is there any problems or pitfalls I should be aware of before doing it myself?

Don't know very much about outboards, but if you have any
doubts or qualms about doing it yourself, there must be dozens of
D-I-Y videos on YouTube with
'how-to' instructions !

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

Jbn wrote:

Since all marine service shops I have called and checked with....they all give me a 3-4 week waiting period for boat service.

Was thinking about just changing the oil myself.....is there any problems or pitfalls I should be aware of before doing it myself?

I change my own all the time. Never had a problem. Look at some videos as mentioned. It’s easy. Good luck.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Pardon me for being so out of date, but isn't the only oil to be changed in the lower unit? If I am correct, it isn't a big deal. I would check it anyway. If it is still the color it was when it was put in, Green or maybe Blue, then it is ok and there's no water getting into the lower unit. If it is milkie, or off color, then obviously it needs to be changed. Your owners manual should have instructions on when and how to do all this.. Just Sayin...RJS

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Robert J Samples wrote:

Pardon me for being so out of date, but isn't the only oil to be changed in the lower unit? If I am correct, it isn't a big deal. I would check it anyway. If it is still the color it was when it was put in, Green or maybe Blue, then it is ok and there's no water getting into the lower unit. If it is milkie, or off color, then obviously it needs to be changed. Your owners manual should have instructions on when and how to do all this.. Just Sayin...RJS

Most ALL new outboards are 4-stroke now RJ, that means changing oil and filters just like your car.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Jbn wrote:

Since all marine service shops I have called and checked with....they all give me a 3-4 week waiting period for boat service.

Was thinking about just changing the oil myself.....is there any problems or pitfalls I should be aware of before doing it myself?

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I change my oil and filter in my 115 Pro SX every fall.
Pretty simple task.
Make sure you have the proper filter
I bought an oil change kit and the filter was wrong
Also you should go on line and get a drain plug seal to be on the safe side
Otherwise very straight forward process

JR okie Loc: Central OK

Jbn wrote:

Since all marine service shops I have called and checked with....they all give me a 3-4 week waiting period for boat service.

Was thinking about just changing the oil myself.....is there any problems or pitfalls I should be aware of before doing it myself?

Changed mine since I bought it. Bass Pro encouraged me to diy. I keep my receipts and take a couple of pics just to verify for warranty. It’s very simple, warm the engine on the muffs, shut off and drain. Change the filter, then refill. Check the level, run again and look for leaks. Just like a car, or large lawnmower. Lower unit is simple also. Get the little pump with hose to make it easy. Mercury website has the videos. Might take an hour total.