Mercury 38HP 2-Stroke Outboard Engine Parts

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This page is tailored for Mercury 2-Stroke 38HP outboard engines. Use it to find compatible parts, routine maintenance guidance, and quick troubleshooting tips. You can also browse the main Mercury parts collection for a broader selection. Scroll to the bottom of this page to start browsing parts for this engine, and on the collection page use the “Filter & Sort” controls to narrow results by horsepower, year range, and part category.

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How to Identify Your 38HP Model

Find the serial/name plate on the starboard side of the swivel bracket or transom clamp area. Record the full serial number to confirm parts compatibility.
Model codes and suffix letters may indicate shaft length (S=15", L=20"), electric vs. manual start, and remote vs. tiller control. Match these features when selecting parts.
Confirm 2‑Stroke: look for a premix label on the cowl and a carbureted intake. Most 2‑stroke models run 50:1 fuel/oil mix unless otherwise labeled.
If your engine falls near a transition year, verify carburetor count and ignition type (CDI). Serial numbers help pinpoint the correct gasket sets, water pump kits, and ignition components.

Engine/Platform Overview

Mercury 38HP 2‑Stroke (Carbureted)

Feature	Description
Configuration	Carbureted 2‑stroke outboard, typically inline twin or triple depending on year; CDI ignition; premix fuel/oil (commonly 50:1 unless specified otherwise).
Common Models	General 38HP 2‑Stroke variants (tiller or remote, short or long shaft). Use serial number and model tag to match parts.
Advantages	Lightweight, simple fuel system, strong low‑to‑mid‑range performance, easy serviceability of wear items (impeller, plugs, anodes).
Notes	Always verify shaft length and starting/charging setup (manual vs. electric) when ordering water pump kits, gearcase seals, and electrical parts.

Routine Maintenance & Service Parts

Intervals below are general guidelines for small 2‑stroke outboards. Always follow the official Mercury service manual for your exact serial range.

Item	Interval*	Remarks	Parts Link
Lower unit gear oil	Every 100 hours or annually	Change more often if water intrusion or metal flakes are found.	Mercury Outboard Parts
Spark plugs	Inspect every 100 hours; replace as needed	Check gap and heat range per manual; replace if fouled or worn.	Spark Plugs
Fuel filter / sight bowl	Inspect every 50–100 hours	Drain water and debris; replace filter element if contaminated.	Fuel Filters
Water pump impeller/kit	Every 2–3 seasons or ~300 hours	Replace sooner if weak tell‑tale stream or overheat occurs.	Mercury Water Pump Repair Kits
Anodes (sacrificial)	Inspect every 100 hours; replace when 50% depleted	Do not paint anodes; check more often in salt/brackish water.	Anodes
Lower unit seal inspection	During gear oil changes or if water is detected	If milky oil is found, pressure test and reseal the gearcase.	Mercury Lower Unit Seal Kits
2‑Stroke fuel/oil	Every fill‑up (premix)	Typical mix is 50:1 with TC‑W3 outboard oil unless your cowling/serial range specifies otherwise.	Mercury Outboard Parts

*Replace/inspect more frequently for heavy use, high heat, or saltwater operation.

Frequently Used Parts Categories

Cooling System – Mercury Water Pump Repair Kits
Gearcase & Seals – Mercury Lower Unit Seal Kits
Propellers & Hardware – Propellers
Ignition / Electrical – Electrical Items
Fuel System – Fuel Filters & Fuel Pumps
Corrosion Protection – Anodes
General Mercury Catalog – Mercury Outboard Parts

Common Symptoms & Quick Checks

Symptom	Check First	Related Parts
Weak tell‑tale stream / overheat alarm	Inspect intake screens for debris; verify hose pressure on muffs; check impeller age; confirm tell‑tale isn’t blocked with salt or sand.	Water pump kit, intake screen, gaskets, thermostat (if equipped)
Poor acceleration / power loss	Check prop for damage; verify correct fuel/oil mix; inspect plugs; confirm carb idle/mixture settings; check for air leaks in fuel line/bulb.	Propeller, spark plugs, fuel filter, fuel pump, carb gaskets/needles
Hard starting / rough idle	Prime bulb firm; check choke/primer function; inspect plugs and plug wires; verify idle mixture and timing per manual.	Primer/choke parts, spark plugs, plug wires, fuel filter
Excessive smoke (2‑stroke)	Confirm correct 50:1 mix; inspect plugs for fouling; ensure carburetors aren’t overly rich; verify quality TC‑W3 oil.	Spark plugs, carb kits, fuel/oil quality
Gearcase noise / metal in gear oil	Drain and inspect oil; check for water (milky oil); verify prop shaft is free of fishing line; pressure/vacuum test seals.	Lower unit seal kit, gear lube, prop hardware

FAQs

Are parts interchangeable between different years or platforms?

Some are, but many components (water pump kits, carb gaskets/jets, ignition modules, gearcase seals) vary by serial number, shaft length, and start/charge options. Always confirm with the serial plate to ensure compatibility.

When should the impeller be replaced?

A practical interval is every 2–3 seasons (about 300 hours), or immediately if cooling flow weakens or the engine overheats. Sand, silt, and running dry even briefly can shorten impeller life.

How often should gear oil be changed?

At least once per season or every 100 hours. If you see milky oil (water intrusion) or metal debris, service the gearcase seals and investigate before further use.

What information do you need to confirm part compatibility?

Provide the full serial number, model designation, shaft length (S/L/XL), starting type (manual/electric), and control type (tiller/remote). Photos of the nameplate and the part you’re replacing also help.

Ready to find parts? Browse the main Mercury collection and use the filters to narrow by horsepower, year, and category.

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If you’re unsure about your model, send us a photo of the nameplate and the part you need and we’ll help verify compatibility.