Mercury Outboards (40-115 HP)
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 3:48 pm
Reading the Blessed post about the fuel problems on his Optimax made me decide to post about my recent glitch.
My 2012 Merc 90 EFI 4 stroke with 28.3 hours on it has given me 28.1 hours of flawless operation. (I've used it a lot more than that, but we drift and/or beach and swim a lot)
The last .2 hours is where the glitch came in. We were out a few weeks ago and stopped for lunch after cruising, towing, swimming all morning and when we went to leave, the engine struggled to start and once started bogged down and seemed starved for fuel. Decided to head back to the ramp and it "ran", but couldn't get over 4,800 RPM. (WOT runs around 6,300).
Back at the ramp, left it idling at the dock while I went to back the trailer in. Back to the boat and it died as soon as I put it in gear and wouldn't re-start. Tried for about 20 minutes. No deal. Drifted into a slip, moored and told the dockmaster I was having issues and would be back to get it later. About an hour later, after a few calls around to local (supposed) Mercury shops and no real answers, went back and it started right up. I high tailed it to the ramp and onto the trailer before it died again.
Just picked it up today from my Merc Tech (thanks Lakeland Marine, Lake Havasu City). It seems that some engines were shipped with a faulty (prone to fail) Float Control Switch in the fuel system, and substandard seals (like Blessed) in the fuel pump. Mercury sent out a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) about these issues, but didn't send an official recall because a small % fail and most will run for years with no issues. There's also a problem with the foam type air cleaner deteriorating, which was replaced with a newer metal mesh type.
In any event, the repairs were made 100% under Warranty and now I have no issues.
I would recommend that anyone with similar fuel issues on a 40-115 HP Merc (2 stroke or 4 stroke) 5 years or so old or less, take it to an authorized Mercury Service Center and have it checked out. If the engine is out of warranty, Mercury may still cover the repairs, since it's a known issue. Calling Mercury Customer Service direct and getting a warranty repair authorization beforehand may be more effective that having the shop do it for you. (have your engine serial number)
Even if you AREN'T experiencing issues, it would be a good idea to have the Tech check it out so you don't get stuck out on the water.
On another note, I also had them install the Merc Smartcraft System Monitor, so I can keep an eye on all engine systems and watch the hours for service interval.
My 2012 Merc 90 EFI 4 stroke with 28.3 hours on it has given me 28.1 hours of flawless operation. (I've used it a lot more than that, but we drift and/or beach and swim a lot)
The last .2 hours is where the glitch came in. We were out a few weeks ago and stopped for lunch after cruising, towing, swimming all morning and when we went to leave, the engine struggled to start and once started bogged down and seemed starved for fuel. Decided to head back to the ramp and it "ran", but couldn't get over 4,800 RPM. (WOT runs around 6,300).
Back at the ramp, left it idling at the dock while I went to back the trailer in. Back to the boat and it died as soon as I put it in gear and wouldn't re-start. Tried for about 20 minutes. No deal. Drifted into a slip, moored and told the dockmaster I was having issues and would be back to get it later. About an hour later, after a few calls around to local (supposed) Mercury shops and no real answers, went back and it started right up. I high tailed it to the ramp and onto the trailer before it died again.
Just picked it up today from my Merc Tech (thanks Lakeland Marine, Lake Havasu City). It seems that some engines were shipped with a faulty (prone to fail) Float Control Switch in the fuel system, and substandard seals (like Blessed) in the fuel pump. Mercury sent out a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) about these issues, but didn't send an official recall because a small % fail and most will run for years with no issues. There's also a problem with the foam type air cleaner deteriorating, which was replaced with a newer metal mesh type.
In any event, the repairs were made 100% under Warranty and now I have no issues.
I would recommend that anyone with similar fuel issues on a 40-115 HP Merc (2 stroke or 4 stroke) 5 years or so old or less, take it to an authorized Mercury Service Center and have it checked out. If the engine is out of warranty, Mercury may still cover the repairs, since it's a known issue. Calling Mercury Customer Service direct and getting a warranty repair authorization beforehand may be more effective that having the shop do it for you. (have your engine serial number)
Even if you AREN'T experiencing issues, it would be a good idea to have the Tech check it out so you don't get stuck out on the water.
On another note, I also had them install the Merc Smartcraft System Monitor, so I can keep an eye on all engine systems and watch the hours for service interval.