1998 Mercury 9.9/15HP 4-stroke outboards factory service manual, Page 212Get this manual
CYLINDER BLOCKCRANKCASE
IMPORTANT: Assemble connecting rod bolts, caps, rods, and pistons in their original locations4Install connecting rod cap and bolts onto their respective crankpins
NOTE: Apply oil to connecting rod bolts before installing5Tighten connecting rod bolts in alternating sequence and in two stages
4-Stroke Outboard Oil (92-828000A12)
a-Connecting Rod Caps (2) b-Bolts (4) Connecting Rod Bolt Torque 1st: 7.2 lb-ft (10 Nm) 2nd: 16.2 lb-ft (22 Nm) 6Apply gasket maker to contact surface of crankcase, use roller and follow instructions contained in gasket maker kit