1988 2.4L Mercury 200hp - which manual?

[Hardwater]

It looks like the motor will be going in the shop the end of this week to be checked out - the last step in closing the deal.  Assuming the best, one of the first buys will be a maintenance/repair manual.

I've had manuals for different motors from Clymer and Seloc in the past - each seemed to have their strong points and weak points.  Anyone have experience with either/both of these manuals (or some other source) for this specific motor - any recommendation?  Or is it best to just bite the bullet and buy the Mercury shop manual?

Thanks - Dave.

[RickK]

If you want the best - buy the merc manual. At least it was written by the factory.  The Clymers I have leave just the stuff you really need OUT.

[GoneFission]

I am a fan of the Seloc manuals.  In fact, some factory manuals are actually prepared and printed by Seloc.  

The problem with some factory manuals is they require/expect you to have the factory special tools and equipment.  If you're not a dealer, you usually do not have these things.  The Seloc manuals provide alternatives or workarounds to allow you to do the work normal tools and equipment.  

I have the Seloc manual for my Mercury Black Max (Seloc Mercury Outboard Volume III, 1965-1991 6 Cylinder) and find the "Special Words" and "Very Important Words" and troubleshooting sections to be especially helpful.  

Check out eBay for good deals on Manuals:  
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dl ... category0=  

Good luck; see ya on the water!

[Hardwater]

Looking at manuals from our earlier boats, there are 2 Clymers for I/Os and 2 Selocs for outboards – don’t know why it worked out that way but it didn’t give me a chance to compare apples to apples.

There’s a lot of routine maintenance to do on this one (oil lines, fuel lines, fuel pump and filter, thermostat, etc.) just so there’s a known starting point.  Really don’t need a factory manual for that stuff I suppose – so another Seloc in the library.  If it comes down to it, the factory manual is always an option.

Thanks guys.