Oil Changes
Engine oil and lower unit gear lube changes for Mercury outboards, with a check for water and metal every time
Outboard Oil Changes
We change engine oil and lower unit gear lube on Mercury outboards of every size, from small kickers to high horsepower four stroke engines, for boaters across western Iowa.
Fresh oil protects bearings, cams, and cylinder walls from wear, and fresh gear lube keeps the gears and bearings in your lower unit cool and protected. We drain and refill both with oil and lube that meet your engine specifications, replace the oil filter and drain screw washers, and check the old gear lube for water or metal, which is often the first sign of a seal or bearing problem. Most four stroke outboards need an oil change every 100 hours or once a year, whichever comes first.
- Engine oil drain and refill
- New oil filter
- Lower unit gear lube change
- New drain screw washers
- Leak and level check
- Gear lube water check
Request An Oil Change
Tell us your engine model and approximate hours. Online scheduling is not available, so our Service Department will contact you to set a drop off time that fits your schedule.
Two Fluids With Two Jobs
An outboard oil change covers two separate fluids. Here is what each one does, how often it needs changing, and what we look for while it drains.
- What It Protects
- The crankshaft, bearings, cams, and cylinder walls inside the powerhead.
- How Often
- Every 100 hours or once a year on most four stroke outboards, plus a first change after break in on many new engines.
- What We Check
- Oil level, leaks around the filter and drain screw, and the condition of the old oil as it drains.
- What It Protects
- The gears, bearings, and shafts in the lower unit, below the waterline.
- How Often
- Every 100 hours or once a year, and before winter storage so no water sits in the gearcase over winter.
- What We Check
- Water or metal in the drained lube, which can point to a worn seal or bearing before it turns into a bigger repair.
Two stroke outboards mix oil with fuel, so they skip the engine oil change and get an oil injection system check instead.
Our Oil Change Process
Four steps, repeated every season, keep your engine and lower unit protected year after year.
- Drop OffBring your boat in on your scheduled day, or ask about a later appointment if that works better.
- Drain And InspectOld oil and gear lube are drained, and we check the gear lube for water or metal before anything goes back in.
- Refill And ReplaceA new oil filter and drain screw washers go in, and the engine and lower unit are filled to the correct level.
- Run And CheckWe run the engine, check for leaks, and confirm the levels one more time before letting you know it is ready.
Why Boaters Choose Shamrock Boat Sales
Oil changes are simple, and doing them on schedule is what keeps an outboard healthy for years. Our mechanics look beyond the drain pan while your engine is in the shop.
Master And Certified Mechanics
Other dealerships often call on our technicians to help with difficult diagnostic work.
Mercury Customer Satisfaction Award
Mercury named us one of its Top Ten Customer Satisfaction dealers, out of 3,500 dealers nationwide.
Serving Boaters Since 1941
Generations of western Iowa boaters have trusted us with their boats, motors, and service.
We Check The Gear Lube
Every drained sample gets a look for water and metal, so small problems are caught early.
Oil Change FAQ
Most four stroke outboards need an oil change every 100 hours or once a year, whichever comes first, and many new engines call for a first change after break in. Your owner manual lists the exact schedule for your engine.
Two stroke outboards mix oil with fuel and have no crankcase oil to change, but they still need regular lower unit gear lube changes and oil injection system checks. We service both types.
Gear lube protects the gears and bearings in your lower unit, and it breaks down with use. Changing it each year also lets us check for water, which can freeze and crack the gearcase if it sits in the lower unit over winter.
Yes. Fresh oil and gear lube are part of our winterization service, since old oil holds moisture and acids that can damage an engine while it sits in storage.
The oil change itself is quick, and timing depends on how busy the service calendar is. Our Service Department will give you a drop off and pickup time when they contact you to set your appointment.
Time For Fresh Oil
Send us a request and our Service Department will contact you to set up your oil change before your next weekend on the water.