2004 Merc 115efi

[Bigjohn1]

I have the above outboard and have logged over 200 trouble-free hours of use this past year as the primary power on a single engine center console. I am pleased so far with its performance and reliability and I perform my own maintenance at the factory specified interval. I am interested in hearing from anyone who has owned this model for a few years now and/or has logged some fairly serious hours on theirs. I regularly go 20-25 miles off-shore and naturally want to keep everything in ship-shape to avoid any problems - especially off-shore with a single engine. <br /><br />Can anyone speak to any "issues" or problems they have experienced with this engine? I ask as I want to be prepared and if need be, carry any spare parts or supplies in my tool kit "just in case". About the only precaution I have read so far anywhere about is this engine is on spark plug changes...on a few occasions, people changed their plugs and didn't get a plug wire boot snapped back on securely. After operating the engine for a little while under this condition, the plug in question goes bad and must be replaced. I normally carry an extra plug or two and a plug wrench just in case but have never had a problem.<br /><br />BTW, I run a Racor fuel/water separator all the time and use Merc's Quickleen about every other tank of fuel. Just to be safe, I ran a dose of Sea Foam through her also at the 200-hour point. Merc says to de-carb at 100 hours but I think that's overkill when you run Quickleen regularly on a 4-stroke. Any other helpfull hints on this model?

 

[andy6374]

Re: 2004 Merc 115efi

Keep a complete set of spark plug, a spare prop, and fuses. I also know people who keep a spare impellar kit and switchboxes. (however these people also don't have a 2004 4 stroke). <br /><br />-andy

 

[Bigjohn1]

Re: 2004 Merc 115efi

Thanks Andy for the input. This model already has one-for-one spare fuses installed at the factory in the fuse box so I'm good there. I already carry a spare prop and prop wrench also. Interesting about an impeller, I don't think that's a repair I would attempt while off-shore though - I have enough trouble doing one in my garage.

 

[shadowcrest5]

Re: 2004 Merc 115efi

I too have the 115 hp 4 stroke efi.2005. I now have what I think are fuel or clogged fuel injectors, or even fuel pump problems.I posted about it on Sep. 24th. I was wondering..you said you use a Racor water/fuel seperator. Is this "in place of" the original factory filter OR in addition to. If in addition to ..where do you have yours EXACTLY in the fuel line system? Where can this Racor filter be purchased....and is it a certain style? SUCH AS 10 Micron??
I too use Seafoam has "seemed" to work well. Is Mercs. Quickleen basically the same thing?
Thanks for any suggestions....Shadowcrest5