1998 Mercury 90hp not EFI

[Cabela10]

I seem to be going through a lot of oil lately. It started late last year. I thought this oil usually lasted me two tanks of gas to one tank of oil. Now it seems to empty before the first tank of gas is empty. Is there a way to set it and if so where/how? Should I bring it into a shop to get tweaked or is it easy enough for myself to complete?

[Whoaru99]

A lot of the stuff isn't that hard to do, but I'd recommend that you get a factory service manual. One DIY repair pretty much pays for the book and maybe then some.

[boatfixer]

Assuming there is no external oil leak,I know on previous oil injected outboards such as the VRO's, anytime you had a restriction or air leak in the FUEL supply, the "default" mode for the oil injection was to "over oil" the system to prevent damage to the engine. Even if you are running a little lean, the oil pump has no idea, it only recognizes throttle position and/or RPM's. Maybe something as simple as an air leak in the hose.

[Cabela10]

Boatfixer, so your saying I should maybe just bring it in and explain the problem to a professional because I honestly have no idea about small engine repair of any sort.

I seen a place in Bloomington today called Great American Marine and Engine Works. Anyone have experience with them? Good/Bad?

[Whoaru99]

The Mercury service manual for my 1996 90-hp says this...

"Carburetor/Oil Pump Synchronization"

"While holding throttle arm at idle position, adjust length of link rod so that stamped mark of oil pump body aligns with stamped mark of oil pump lever, and lever is in closed position."

Dunno if that makes sense, but there is a little picture in the manual that makes it more clear.

Problem with messing around with oil pump is that your motor could be toast if not done correctly. So, unless you know for sure what you are adjusting, bringing it to a pro is probably a good idea.

Another alternative, but not necessarily a recommendation, is to stop using oil injection and go to pre-mix...

[boatfixer]

If you are honestly uncomfortable with this, then yes, maybe you should. Unless the rod from the carb linkage to the pump has come off, they usually don't just go out of adjustment. The connector on the pump is spring loaded to full rich, in case the rod falls off, you won't cook the engine. As far as your question about the dealer, I have no clue, I'm in Grand Rapids.