[Rick of Austin]

Just got my 93 Diablo that hasnt had the maintenance performed as it should. It has a 4.3 V6 that finally seems to be running good.... had to rebuild the carburator last night to stop it from pouring gas into the engine when the electric pump comes on but that went well with a rebuild kit.
Now it needs a oil change, has water in the trim oil and the drive oil needs replacing plus the impeller.
Do most of you guys do your own prventative work like this?
I would like to drain the crankcase into the bilge while sucking it out with an old shop vac.... seems like thats the only way to get all the oil out of the bottom of the oil pan.
Even the impeller seems pretty straightforward but the shop looks at me like I had 2 heads when I told them I was gonna do it myself.
Just wondering how many of you guys actually tackle these projects.
Thanks

[fsd350]

I do all of my own work except for upholstery or fiberglass. To date I have replaced water impeller, cylinder heads, shift shaft seal on outdrive, roller rockers, fuel pressure regulator to adjustable unit. Timing, plugs, winterize etc.If you are mechanically inclined or worked on cars before, boats are pretty straight forward. OEM and Marine parts are a must. Do not skimp on these. Get yourself a shop manual and do a lot of forum searching for answers and experience and you will be fine.

[All In]

I try to do all of my own maintenance. Some things seem to be more difficult than others but with this forum and some mech. skills it can be done. One thing for sure is there is no pressure to get things done like there is with a car that you are driving. Take things at your own pace and make sure that you do it right. Not skimping on the parts is huge. I tried that with a starter and ended up with a starter for car sitting on a shelf in my garage. That was a nice 200 dollar mistake that I will not make again. You can do and we can help. Go for it.

[WetWilly]

Hi All In,

Mercrusier has a new style fitting connecting a hose to the bottom of the oil pan where the old drain plug goes and brings the other end to the bilge drain, just pull the bilge plug off, reach in and pull the hose out and open the fitting and out comes the oil. helps to warm up the oil a little bit first. Contact your Merc parts supplier and see if it can be installed on your 4.3L.

Now as fsd350 stated;"OEM and Marine parts are a must", this is one of the the most important things to remember when doing your own servicing!

Regardless what some may think, do not substitute auto parts for marine certified parts! There are important differences between auto and marine parts where safety and longevity are concerned!

Please read these two explanations and you'll know why it's just too dangerous to take the cheaper route. Click here and here.

Good luck,
WetWilly

[All In]

Hi wetwilly,
Hats off to you guys running the site. This is great place to be if you own a Mariah. I read the supplements about auto and marine parts and there is no greater truth. I've been down that road with a starter and don't ever want to go back. Wish I would have found the site before I did that. Keep up the good work and I will see you around the forum.