Annual spring maintenance

[Patrick88]

Hello all! I have a question regarding annual maintenance. I purchased a 2004 2400scr last summer and am new to boating. I was wondering if there is a checklist of things to do prior to dropping in the water this weekend that someone could point me to? I realize that the underside paint is needed every couple of seasons and that I need to change the impeller every couple of seasons as well. Is the oil changed every year (I assume)? Any gaskets or other parts that wear abnormally fast that I should be aware of? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Pat

[mmwjr]

Pat welcome aboard.

Engine oil, gear lube, anodes, and gas filter should be changed yearly. Most of us do this as part of the winterization process as it allows one to identify any potential issues and have time to address them before next season.

Also old oil has acid that eats at bearings.

Impeller every two years.

Depending on the bottom paint every year or two years.

Check bellows for cracks.
Check exhaust temp with a handheld IR sensor. These are water cooled and need to be replaced every five to ten years if in salt water.

[Patrick88]

Mmwjr, thank you so much for the fast response. That all seems logical. I assume the gear lube is drained when changing the impeller, correct? How much and which grade of oil should be added afterwards? Again, thank you for your help!

[mmwjr]

Pat do you have an Alpha or Bravo out drive?

If Alpha yes when changing the impeller you will need to drain the lube.

Bravo has an inboard raw water pump.

Alpha takes about 1.5 qts

Bravo takes about 3 qts

Use quicksilver high performance lube and 25W40 engine oil

[Patrick88]

Yes, it's a bravo out drive. Ok, so I will have to locate the raw water pump. I assume it's on the starboard side of the engine? Is there a drain plug on the Drive?

[mmwjr]

The bravo raw water pump is belt driven and is mounted on the lower starboard side. You will need to remove the belt, two hoses (mark them to ensure you do not mix inlet and output), then two bolts to remove the pump and bracket.

Once removed it's easy to replace the impeller.

Out drive drain plug is on the forward starboard side of the bullet of the drive.

[Patrick88]

Thanks so much for all of the answers. This is incredibly helpful!

[mmwjr]

Your welcome

Buy what engine do you have and is your bravo a B2 or B3?

Just curious as most 2400's are Alpha. I have a '97 2400 with a 5.7 and B2

[Patrick88]

It has a 5.7 with a bravo 3. Does that mean that the impeller is in the drive?

[Patrick88]

Oh, I see your previous response that it's in the engine compartment. Sorry

[shrew]

Patrick, I strongly suggest purchasing the Bravo III service manual and the Engine service manuals.

[Patrick88]

Thanks for the advice. I will purchase them right now!