1998 Mercury 9.9/15HP 4-stroke outboards factory service manual, Page 208Get this manual
CYLINDER BLOCKCRANKCASE
4Assemble the connecting rod caps onto their respective crankpins
NOTE: Make sure "Flat" sides of cap and rod are together
a-"Flat" Side of Cap b-"Flat" Side of Connecting Rod 5Tighten connecting rod bolts in alternating sequence and in two stagesIMPORTANT: Do not rotate connecting rod when checking clearanceConnecting Rod Bolt Torque 1st: 7.2 lb-ft (10 Nm) 2nd: 16.2 lb-ft (22 Nm) 6Remove the connecting rod cap7Measure the width of the compressed plastigauge on each crankpin to check the connecting rod oil clearanceReplace connecting rod as set if oil clearance is not within specification57582