Mercury Mercruiser Exhaust System

Mercury MerCruiser Exhaust Parts - Resources and Information

Your MerCruiser exhaust system is one of the most important parts of your engine - and keeping it in working order is absolutely essential for the best performance and safest experience out on the water. 

PartsVu offers Mercury MerCruiser boats all of the exhaust system parts MerCruiser boaters need to perform their own repairs. From Exhaust Manifold and Elbow Kits, Exhaust Water Shutters, and much more, PartsVu helps you get the job done and enjoy worry-free boating. Best of all, we offer fast shipping and the lowest prices for everything else you need to keep your boat in tip-top shape, including Gear Lube Kits, Mercury Drive System Parts, and 100 & 300 Hour Service Kits. 

And to help you find the right exhaust system parts plus in-depth articles for reference, be sure to check out some of our helpful MerCruiser resources:

• MerCruiser Inboard Maintenance
• MerCruiser Maintenance Parts Library
• Mercury Outboard and Mercruiser Resources Collection

Mercury MerCruiser Exhaust System FAQ

How do I perform maintenance on my MerCruiser fuel system? 

MerCruiser fuel system maintenance is a critical aspect of maintaining your exhaust system. When your fuel system malfunctions, you can expect your exhaust to be affected by excessive vibrations, noisy operation, and noxious smells. Over time, these malfunctions can damage your exhaust system and create expensive repairs down the road.

Here are some pointers about maintenance for your Mercury Fuel System:

• Depending on your application and style of boat, you likely have a fuel-water separating filter aboard your vessel. If you have not seen one, simply follow the routing of your fuel hose from the engine rigging tube backward through the boat. These vary in shape and manufacturer, so be sure to order the identical replacement filter. Use a filter wrench to loosen the existing filter element and use caution when removing it as it will be filled with gasoline.
• A clear plastic or glass container is helpful to dump the filter into and to examine the contents. A small amount of debris is common, as is a small amount of water after the fuel has had a moment to settle. Larger amounts of water would warrant further investigation. If your filter’s mounting location allows it, pre-fill the replacement filter with some gasoline to make re-priming the fuel system easier later. It is also advisable to use a small amount of grease to lubricate the o-ring prior to installation. Spin on and hand tighten only about a half turn to snug.
• Continue your MerCruiser fuel system maintenance by moving back to the engine and locating the filter element in the clear plastic bowl on the front of your block. Depending on your engine model, this filter cup may be removed by using a special cup wrench – or standard tools and a little caution. If applicable, unplug the water-in-fuel sensor and spin the cup off the housing. Again, drain into your clear container and examine the fuel. If your main water separator was free from water, this filter should be as well. Inspect the o-ring on the top of the filter cup and lightly grease it for ease of installation or replace if needed. Replace the filter element with a fresh one and reinstall the cup. Use the cup wrench to tighten. Locate your engine’s primer bulb and use the primer to pump up the fuel system. You should observe gasoline entering and filling the filter cup. Check for leaks and prime until the bulb becomes firm. As a tip, primer bulbs work best when the arrow points up, so use any extra hose in the line to help you tilt the bulb vertically.

How do I choose the right marine fuel for my MerCruiser engine?

For many boat owners, it’s common to feel a bit unsure as to which type of marine fuel is right for their engine(s). Choosing between different ethanol levels, mixing oil with fuel, and even using diesel can be downright confusing. Using the right marine fuel for your MerCruiser engine is essential for reliable and optimal performance on the water.

The following are the most common types of marine fuels for your MerCruiser engine:

• Ethanol-Free Gasoline
• E10 Fuel
• E15 Fuel
• Oil and Gas Mixtures
• Diesel Fuel
• Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Marine Diesel Oil (MDO)

Because different makes and models of boat engines require different fuels, using the wrong boat fuel can cause significant damage to internal engine components as well as your boat’s fuel system. Expect internal corrosion with high-ethanol fuels, knocking when the fuel-air mixture is off, and a hefty repair for head gasket repairs. 

What are the symptoms of a bad fuel pump on my MerCruiser motor?

When you try to start your engine, you should be able to hear the sound of the MerCruiser fuel pump engaging. If that familiar sound can’t be heard, there’s a chance it could be due to issues with the battery. Check the battery first, and depending on other symptoms you may be experiencing, it could be a good idea to troubleshoot other systems with one of our handy guides. Still, if you’re missing that motorized sound, that’s a strong sign that the fuel pump may be having issues.

Another common symptom of a bad fuel pump is sputtering or misfiring. If you’re experiencing a bumpy ride (or possibly losing speed altogether), it could also be a sign of a clogged fuel filter that won’t allow a consistent flow. You’ll want to check the entire MerCruiser fuel system to ensure that any clogs and blockages in the system are addressed.

How do you prevent MerCruiser motor fuel pump problems?

First and foremost, be sure that you’re performing the required engine maintenance at the recommended intervals. Our guides to engine maintenance for MerCruisers provide a basic checklist for this process, including all the parts that each manufacturer recommends you check for cracks, leaks, or other signs of damage and wear. 

Generally, fuel pumps themselves should be replaced as needed, but MerCruiser specifically recommends that outboard fuel pumps should be replaced every 3 years. 

With regular maintenance, the proper MerCruiser service kit and the right set of tools, most outboard issues are fully preventable. Still, there are a few specific ways to keep your outboard motor’s fuel system in top shape.

Another option for supporting the longevity of your MerCruiser motor is Mercury Quikstor fuel stabilizers. Mercuryfuel stabilizers will keep fuel from going bad, remove carbon deposits, and protect the system as a whole during storage months. 

In addition, Mercury fuel additives are necessary because ethanol gasoline is less than ideal for marine environments. Normal boating activity allows for more opportunity for the fuel to be exposed to water droplets, which bind to ethanol and forms a sludge-like material that is heavier than the remaining gasoline. It then sinks to the bottom of the fuel tank. When your MerCruiser fuel system picks this up, it can lead to clogs throughout, especially in the carburetor and fuel injectors. Preventing this with fuel stabilizers can help keep your engine healthy for far longer.

Refer to PartsVu’s Mercury Outboard and Mercruiser Resources Collection for plenty of articles about preventing fuel pump issues and other related maintenance tasks