Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

[goldammerr]

I have a Boston Whaler Outrage 21´ equipped with the above engine. Boat + engine were bought new in December 2000 and were used 5 times since then. Very low hours (<50hrs).<br /><br />Just recently, engine could not keep rpm above 3,000 and would die. idling is very irregular and a rattling sound started to emerge. Temperature above normal, not much.<br /><br />Upon pulling back into the dock, externally there was nothing out of the ordinary I could diagnose, so I had a Mercury authorized technician come in with similar results, ie, nothing.<br /><br />Authorized dealer suggested we open up the engine to diagnose. That was done and the diagnostic is that the oil pump (which in this model is mechanic and its power comes from a gear in the crankshaft via a "plastic" rod that connects to such gear. It seems incredible to me such a vital piece would be made of plastic, but anyway...<br /><br />The plastic rod broke for no apparent reason, thus very little oil was being pumped to the engine. No damage to pistons, etc., but, according to the dealer, the crankcase was slightly damaged by some pieces of the broken plastic rod.<br /><br />I have not yet seen the engine after it has been dismantled (i´m away on business) and although this is something that we both think the warranty will cover, my question to you is basically: does this make sense?<br /><br />r.

 

[Mike M2]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

Hmmm... i have a 94 200 merc in here in the shop dismantled for the very same reason. On this model, the shaft is metal, including the worm gear at the end of it, and the gear on the crankshaft is plastic. The plastic gear got chewed up, for reasons not known, and caused oil pressure failure. The idiot..er..i mean customer heard the warnig buzzer go off and his brother diconnected it. 3 pistons,1 connecting rod, and $1800 dollars later he will have his motor back before Striper season ends here. If you experienced loss of rpms, the damage is done, more than the oil pump drive. Have all cylinder walls checked for scratches, check pistons and rings for wear.

 

[goldammerr]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

Mike,<br /><br />You´re right: shaft is metal and drive gear is plastic. The drive gear (a $20 part) got torn to pieces, yielding a potential $2K damage...<br /><br />Engine was switched off pretty quickly, so no damage was made except for the pieces of plastic that the repair shop claims scratched the crankcase. I am seriously considering changing the drive gear and reassembling the engine; it seems too much of an investment to buy a new crankcase.<br /><br />Anyone else want to add to this? I'd really appreciate hearing from someone that can shed some light on this one.<br /><br />r.

 

[clanton]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

What about the warranty from Merc?

 

[Mike M2]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

I don't understand, scratches on the crankcase? It's a plastic gear, what could it have hurt? Doesn't sound right to me. Clanton gives a good question, why isn't Merc fixing it? It's obviously a warranty item.

 

[kenthrussell]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

hi well i have a merc 200hp and it had oil injection because of a earlier failure with the crank gear i totally dissconected it and now run premix,even if you run oil injection some recommend you mix 100-1,just for a safe gaurd,merc should fix it under warranty and then when the warranty is up i would premix ,...just my opinion

 

[kenthrussell]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

ooooops sorry but mine is carbed,not too sure about fuel injection if you can still remove oil pump or not perhaps someone else here will know.

 

[clanton]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

You can premix the fuel injection, fuel and oil is mixed in vapor seperator before going to the injector, Opti-max different horse.

 

[goldammerr]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

Sorry for the delay in posting follow up notes on this thread; my company is installing Windows 2000...<br /><br />The dealer and myself both agree Merc should fix it; according to my dealer, the request was made 3 weeks ago and Merc has not yet communicated their decision. I am afraid is taking too much time, if time is a measure of anything. We expect to have an answer from Merc this week; let´s see.<br /><br />r.

 

[MURX]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

You know if the engine in my pick up has an oil pump failure and suffers internal damage I wouldn't expect anything but a factory long block, I don't see how mercury can send a rep out to inspect the pistons and crankcase I feel they should be installing a new powerhead not concerning themselves with the powerhead condition and such, I wouldn't want the existing crankcase back at all! demand a new longblock, and tell them to stop lollygaggin' around and get it handled already, Don

 

[goldammerr]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

It´s a good policy that I would endorse myself; problem is, how does one "apply pressure" on the Dealer & Merc? One detail, it seems the dealer is on my side; he is telling me the same thing: we want Merc to replace the entire powerhead.<br /><br />r.

 

[steve forsythe]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

Mikem2..i have posted a few questions on this board with a similar problem. What is your opinion on premixing...and explain, i am a novice!!! My 2000 Mercury saltwater 200 carb. went down and i want to make sure it does not happen again! Any thoughts on my problem and posts are GREATLY appreciated!

 

[goldammerr]

Re: Mercury EFI Offshore 200 problem

Got today good news from the dealer; Merc is replacing the powerhead. It seems in 15 days the engine will be ready. Thanks to all contributions and I´ll post a message after the first run.<br /><br />By the way, any special recommendations for the break in of the new powerhead, such as premix or any other?<br /><br />r.