E-TEC Maintenance Schedule

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There was some discussion of this elsewhere on the forum, but I went digging on the Envinrude website for more info on the 3 Years/300 hours no maintenance promise when buying a new E-TEC.

The fine print states:

(1) Average recreational use. Heavy use, or use in salt or polluted water requires more frequent inspection and maintenance (annual checks are recommended)

Given that we run in Salt water, it means that we still need to carry out the following (including changing the gearcase oil)

Electrical and ignition wires, inspect for wear or chafing   X
Engine to transom mounting hardware, re-torque (40 ft. lbs.)   X
Fasteners, inspect any loosened components   X
Fuel and oil system components, inspect and repair leaks   X
Fuel filter, replace   X
Gearcase lubricant, replace X
Grease fittings, lubricate  X
Muffler foam, inspect and replace if necessary   X  
Propeller shaft splines, inspect and lubricate  X
Spark plugs, inspect and replace if necessary X  
Steering system, inspect and lubricate  X
Thermostats, inspect  X
Throttle cable, inspect and re-tension   X
Water pump, inspect or replace if necessary   X


http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Owners-Center/Brp-Extended-Service/Terms-And-Conditions

Scroll down to Maintenance Schedule

Most if not all of these can be done by the owner with a bit of care and the right products, there should be no need to involve the dealer, but like anything else, probably best if you give him a call and confirm first.

I believe some guys have rightly posted that they like to get the dealer over at the end of the season to check the EMM with a diagnostics computer to ensure there were no faults/issues, which is never a bad thing

[The_Gaffer]

I don't have an outboard, but I do know something about preventive maintenance.  It is never a bad thing to do a visual inspection of all parts.  Even running the diagnostics at the end of the season is worthwhile.  I have the diagnostics tool for my engine, and do run the programme at the beginning, middle and end of season to ensure everything is working properly.  I check and change the fuel filter mid season, as I use a fine 2microns filter.  I also top up the engine oil, and do some other minor preventive mantenance stuff, like checking drive belts, cooling liquid level, .  This ensures a safe passage and provides the necessary level of comfort when out at sea.