For the guys that do their own maintenance do you typically buy the kits that are on your manufacturers website? Or is it cheaper to piece whats needed together separately? Looking at doing a 300hr maintenance for a 75hp yamaha this fall once we are closer to end of open water.
Order whatever “kit” you need from partsvu. Can’t imagine you would ever save any money peicing it together vs what they charge for the kit
Yep Parts view will have sales from time to time. I bought a case of Mercury oil when it was $30ea now its $50 and the $6 oil filters are now like $15 Thanks COVID.
I just buy the kit. Maybe it’s cheaper to buy individual but don’t care, it’s not that expensive and takes 30 seconds to just order the kit and not think about it.
Yes, Partsvu
When I went to the boat store down the road they said they were out of kits so dont know the price but do know 4 quarts of Mercury oil and filter was like 73 bucks.
When I went to the boat store down the road they said they were out of kits so dont know the price but do know 4 quarts of Mercury oil and filter was like 73 bucks.
I switched to Amsoil because of the crazy price Merc wants for oil. 
John what amsoil oil do you use for your merc? I have a 150 verdo and what they get for mercury oil for the mercury oil is just nuts. I would like to try amsoil in it. TIA
One word of advice if motor is under warranty I would recommend sticking with factory oils.
One word of advice if motor is under warranty I would recommend sticking with factory oils.
It is a myth that a manufacturer can void a warranty for using non-OEM brand oil. Federal law in the US forbids this as long the oil used meets stateed specifications.
Also, none of the OEMs manufacturer their own oil anyway. They are all rebranded versions of common oil brands. At an extra mark-up of course.
Neighbor runs Mobil 1 in his new Mercury motor.
Does Mobil 1 make a marine 4-stroke oil?
Does Mobil 1 make a marine 4-stroke oil?
Mobil Outboard™ Plus 10W-40 FC-W
Does Mobil 1 make a marine 4-stroke oil?
I’ve used Mobile 1 10w-40 High Mileage in my Suzuki for a long time. The API certs meet whatever it says is required in the manual.
As far as a kit goes, I would pass on any lower unit or engine oil change kit. If you’re doing the impeller/water pump then I’d get the kit for that.
Well learned the hard way today to keep the motor trimmed up when you first take that drain plug off holy crap 
Well learned the hard way today to keep the motor trimmed up when you first take that drain plug off holy crap
It’s definitely a messy job that I absolutely hate doing but a necessary evil. I’ve got to the point where I just put a sheet of plastic down because no matter what or how careful you are it inevitably makes a mess. Wish I had the set up to just suck the oil out of the dip stick but I’m not sure what all is involved with that.
I usually buy the kits because they come with everything and is easy. This year I bought separate because I found some Yamaha filters for $5 each instead of $20. It sure is a messy job on my Yamaha 150 due to the drain plug on the side compared to my Yamaha 115 I had previously where the drain plug was on the back and you could trim the motor up and I had a tube that screwed into the hole and then you could trim down and control where the oil went.
I usually buy the kits because they come with everything and is easy. This year I bought separate because I found some Yamaha filters for $5 each instead of $20. It sure is a messy job on my Yamaha 150 due to the drain plug on the side compared to my Yamaha 115 I had previously where the drain plug was on the back and you could trim the motor up and I had a tube that screwed into the hole and then you could trim down and control where the oil went.
Make sure you get a new harmonic balancer if that’s an older year Yamaha 150 4 stroke . Most guys don’t know that . I stopped a guy on P4 this springs that was squealing so bad and he had no clue.
I have a water pump kit for an 05 as well I’ll make ya a deal on if you need one ! Great motors though !
Partsvu is your friend. Fast and free shipping if you get 2 yrs worth of oil changes. The only problem with that is my kid’s Yamaha uses the same kit and he found out I have extra and as I do his changes also, always forget to order his change kits in time.
I fixed him last time as he always forgot to reimberse me also.
When I got done he says he’ll send me a check and I said don’t bother, it’s your birthday present.
Anyway, Partsvu is fantastic, great pricing and fast free shipping if you order enough.
Well learned the hard way today to keep the motor trimmed up when you first take that drain plug off holy crap
A guy at a marine shop said they take a section of bilge pump tubing and put that in the plastic sleeve after trimming up and taking the drain plug out. Then trim down to drain the oil. Works well and no mess.
Wish I had the set up to just suck the oil out of the dip stick but I’m not sure what all is involved with that.
I got one of these last year and it works well. Just stick the tube down the dipstick hole and pump it out. It leaves a little oil behind but nothing that concerned me. Should have gotten one 20 years ago.
Get the oil sucker outer thing. I changed the oil in my Yamaha 175 in about 10 minutes and I’ll bet I got 90% or more of the old oil out.
That pump is a game changer.
I always buy the Yamaha Oil change kits, I haven’t found buying the pieces separately saves any $
Just look around for the best kit prices, some sites are more expensive than others… The oil suck pumps aren’t needed for a Yamaha outboard as its gravity emptied, I would suggest getting the tube and plastic connector that threads to the oil drain nut hole, just eliminates any mess…
I always buy the Yamaha Oil change kits, I haven’t found buying the pieces separately saves any $
Just look around for the best kit prices, some sites are more expensive than others… The oil suck pumps aren’t needed for a Yamaha outboard as its gravity emptied, I would suggest getting the tube and plastic connector that threads to the oil drain nut hole, just eliminates any mess…
The drain plug on my Yamaha is on the side. You have to take the damn thing half way apart to even get at it and there’s no screwing something into it. When you take the plug out there’s instantly oil everywhere. Definitely going to look into the sucker thing. Is there a certain brand or model that works the best?
, I would suggest getting the tube and plastic connector that threads to the oil drain nut hole, just eliminates any mess…
the funny thing is the guy I bought it from gave me one. I was scratching my head thinking I have no clue how you would get that on while the oil is draining out 
of course I didnt consider trimming it up 
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Stanley wrote:</div>
I usually buy the kits because they come with everything and is easy. This year I bought separate because I found some Yamaha filters for $5 each instead of $20. It sure is a messy job on my Yamaha 150 due to the drain plug on the side compared to my Yamaha 115 I had previously where the drain plug was on the back and you could trim the motor up and I had a tube that screwed into the hole and then you could trim down and control where the oil went.Make sure you get a new harmonic balancer if that’s an older year Yamaha 150 4 stroke . Most guys don’t know that . I stopped a guy on P4 this springs that was squealing so bad and he had no clue.
I have a water pump kit for an 05 as well I’ll make ya a deal on if you need one ! Great motors though !
Thanks for the heads up. Mine is 2021 so hopefully I have a couple years left before anything major.
The drain plug on my Yamaha is on the side. You have to take the damn thing half way apart to even get at it and there’s no screwing something into it. When you take the plug out there’s instantly oil everywhere. Definitely going to look into the sucker thing. Is there a certain brand or model that works the best?
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Fins, this one work well. If I remember correctly you can rent them from some auto parts stores. If you only use it once a year that might be a better option than having more stuff laying around. These work for everything though so if you change oil on your cars/truck/toys, etc. it’s a cheap investment.
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