More of this Feature • The Basics • The Basics continued • Stern Drives • Outboards, Gas Inboards, Diesels
Related Resources • Maintenance Index

• Replace spark plugs (gasoline engines only).
• Inspect lower units for dings, scrapes, and scratches, and repaint as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Subsurface bubbling indicates corrosion, and the area should be cleaned, primed, and painted.
• Check lower-unit lube oil level. Look for signs of water intrusion, such as milky oil.
• Clean flame arrestor (gasoline engines only).
• Examine the hydraulic rams on the trim cylinders, making sure they are coated with oil and are not corroded.
• Pull all zincs, including the one ahead of the prop. If signs of wear are present, it’s best to put in new ones, as you’ll soon have to change them anyway once your boat is launched and you begin using her. Always make sure they are the same size. Other zincs are located on the upper portion of the lower unit and on the underside of the transom shield. Before replacing the prop, coat the prop shaft splines with fresh grease. When replacing the prop, always use a new lock washer.

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