2012 Merc 115 4 stroke paint

[smoker62]

Any of you guys running this engine ? I just noticed the paint on the lower leg covers has bubbles in it. Not just a few but hundreds if I would have counted them .

I scratched a few with my thumb nail and it leaves a white spot which must be the plastic underneath.I have not called the dealer because I am sure they will tell me to bring it in, which I am not going to do in June , 3 hrs away. Not a big deal but just wondering if it is a common problem.

I will probably take them off and repaint in the fall. Has to be costing me a 1/4 mph with the added turbulence.

[BobG]

I'm running the same motor.

No bubbles on mine.

How bizarre!

[smoker62]

I keep it in a slip from May to Oct with the leg under water but hey , it is a boat motor so that shouldnt matter. No cleaning chemicals have touched it either.

[Bamaman]

Some water is more corrosive or acidic than others. It has to do with leaving it in the water.

[smoker62]

Some water is more corrosive or acidic than others. It has to do with leaving it in the water.

Maybe, but in my case, my buddy who slips right next to me has a 115 Optimax , same year . We both put in damn near the same time , give a week or two , and no bubbles in his.
Maybe I will leave the motor trimmed out while I am away, keep the scuzz from attaching as well.

[Traillblazer]

Same motor. No issues. White would indicate oxidation under the paint (aluminum)

[smoker62]

Same motor. No issues. White would indicate oxidation under the paint (aluminum)

Its not on the actual lower unit but the chaps or lower cowl. These are plastic, the aluminum is fine. It appears the plastic is white under the paint so when you scrape off a bubble it shows the white. It is only from water line down so obviously the water is doing it. The question in my mind is why only mine.

I have had other Merc motors, my last being a 250 Verado in the same water and no bubbles. I think I got a bad paint job on the lower cowl but as I said , no big deal. Maybe when I pull it out for the season I will have my local dealer look at it. Seems to be an isolated incident which is what I was looking for. I would bet even under warranty, the dealer will just get some phantom black and shoot it . Then it will bubble again next year.