Finally got my boat back!

[LubeDude]

Like Ive posted before, I purchased this Bass boat last fall. 18' 150 Merc I only had a few weeks to play with it before the rains came and it developed an electrical problem which ended up being a stator. Well, $383.00 later, I got it back today. Took it to the lake on the way home, and that problem is solved. I figured out an interesting thing this afternoon. It had a flat spot off idle, but would run good if you stabbed it. Rebuilding the carbs, and doing everything I could imagine doing never fixed this problem. I experienced this again today. I noticed when I put the boat on the trailer, that when the motor was tilted up a little, it idled better and had good responce putting it on the trailer. Also I noticed today while cleaning it up that there is no trim pin on the motor, someone had taken it completly out. (The long pin that sets the motors trim angle when down). For some reason the boat doesnt like it when the motor is trimmed all the way down. I dont think the exhaust ports are under the water, but I didnt have time to look. Seems fine though when it is just trimmed up just a little. I know I need to get a pin, buy why is the engine doing this, you wouldnt think it would matter? I guess Im going through the learning about the motor period.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

Hi Lubedude, glad to here you got her going, even though it cost a few bucks. I have seen several posts about those engines not liking it when they are tucked in all the way. I believe it has to do with the float level being thrown off at that angle and possibly fuel leaking out the carbs. Anyway, have fun boating and glad to hear the good new...

 

[armysfcret]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

LubeDude,<br />Have you considered replacing the impeller? <br /><br />Just couldn't resist. <br /><br />Haven't opened the LU yet but will replace that thing before I start her up again.

 

[BillP]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

I heard Mercs didn't run well with synthetic...

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

LOL You guys are killing me.<br /><br />Oh, BillP, I was just reading my service manual for my Merc, It said in bold print, DO NOT USE AUTOMOTIVE TYPE GEAR LUBE AS FOAMING WAS AN ISSUE. I can only beleive what I read. Then I looked at my owners manual and it said the same thing. Hmmmm.

 

[BillP]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

I was poking fun at you but do I hear ya about the lower unit lube...and my 96 Mariner manual plus other OMC motors over the last 40 years say to use marine or "equivalent" lube with automotive specifications as the rating. Just like 4 stroke outboards...use marine or equivalent automotive oil in the crankcase. Being that I've been READING this stuff in OEM manuals for many years it is very easy to verify. Thats why people should use what their OEM manuals say. <br /><br />Post a scan of your OEM Merc manual (not a clymer type aftermarket manual) and show us exactly what it says about gear lube grades and foaming. <br /><br />When you post a blanket statement that using automotive gear lubes causes foam it is a half truth and misleading to those who don't know better.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

This is a difficult thing to prove, and I cant say with any authority that the statement is true. Its just that I have read and heard this over many years and seen it in various publications also, that there must be something to it. My service manual isnt a Merc manual, but my owners manual is and I will post it.

 

[BillP]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

I personally think the foaming issue may be addressed at using automotive lubes that don't have the correct ratings...just like 2 stroke oils that don't have the TCW rating. <br /><br />Mfgs published service grades are credible and can be spoken of with authority. Everything else is opinion and speculation.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

I don' speak with near the experience nor authority as ya'll two and I'll not post this again but I've been under the impression, for quite a few moons now, that marine gear lubes contain surfactants (detergents) that keep water emulsified so as not to rust the gear case innards. Now, if either one of ya'll know this to be fictious, please lemme know and I'll stop spreading this vicious rumor. <br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

Hey Lube, my 125 doesn't like trimmed down all the way either, but my upper exhaust port is partially covered when trimmed down. The minute I trim up a bit, the idle smoothes right out.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

This is a copy and paste from Pennzoil:<br /><br />Special marine grade formulations designed to withstand high amounts of water contamination. Contains stable extreme pressure additives and corrosion inhibitors to protect gears and bearings subject to corrosion by water seepage. Special antifoam agents insure excellent lubrication to all gears and bearings under the severe churning action of marine gear cases. Helps protect against rust and corrosion. -<br /><br />I think this is what we all expect from a marine gearcase lube.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

and back on the farm, who cares.... <br />so what exactly did the wrench sell u LD?<br />didn't fix problem?<br />no tilt pin?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

Mellowyellow: Guess you didnt read the whole post.<br /><br /> As to the pin, I guess I never got one with the boat, anyway its missing. havnt had time to look for one. Guess I could just put a couple of bolts in, but Id rather have the correct pin.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

Well, My marine guy says that the 150s with Power trim & tilt didnt have pins. He said if I wanted to to just put a couple of S/S bolts in the lowest holes. Guess I should have done that in the first place.

 

[BillP]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

Hooty,<br />I don't have a clue if marine 80w-90 GL5 is better or different than auto 80w-90 GL5. Both are made for hypoid gears and have the identical API performance rating. Both advertise having additives for water, corrosion and foaming. The identical API performance rating is speced in ob manuals for use. <br /><br />LubeDude,<br />Some motors will trim down far enough to hit the transom and a pin is the sure way to prevent that from happening.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

I can tell you that Amsoils marine grade synthetic gear lube is the exact same product as one of there automotive gear lubes with different packaging, But I cant say that for any other gear oils, could be though.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Finally got my boat back!

'kay.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty