mercury outboard fire

[rblass]

7/29/2010 - had an engine fire. Took my pontoon with a 2001 merc 50hp with 300hrs out for a ride. Drove about 1 mile and decided to throw out the anchor. Engine was running fine.
What is that i see, the engine smoking.
Water must have splashed up and hit it.
Wait it is still smoking and it is dark colored smoke. uh-oh
Got the fire extinguisher ready and popped the top.
Poof, up she goes one one side of the engine.
A quick blast from the extinguisher and out goes the fire.
Now i have a dead engine with a lot of melted wiring.
Progressive Insurance man coming 8/2/2010 to take a look.
Wonder what he will have to say, value of engine?
Anybody know of similar stories of outboards catching on fire and the causes?

 

[rblass]

Re: mercury outboard fire

yes

 

[Chris1956]

Re: mercury outboard fire

Fires do happen rarely. It was likely the voltage regulator. Perhaps a new wiring harness and a new VR will fix it up, if it did not damage any of the electronics.

 

[MassillonBuckeye]

Re: mercury outboard fire

I checked my fuel strainer and didn't get it seated properly. When I primed, gas poured out of the bottom of the carb into the engine. Maybe that gasket went bad or you messed with carb/hose? How were your hoses/Clamps? I'm betting gas was coming from somewhere it shouldn't have been. Did it smell like electrical fire? Glad everyone is ok.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: mercury outboard fire

rblass. Not sure what happened, BUT, YOU need to do your homework on what the price of your motor is worth.
If you are lucky, they will tell you to take it somewhere and have it fixed.
Just don't let them lowball you on the price of the engine.
Not a Fan of insurance companies when it come time to pay out. Been there done that.
let us know the outcome/ Quote.

 

[rblass]

Re: mercury outboard fire

I haven't played with any of the fuel lines and i haven't smelled any excess gas smell. All i smelled was electrical/foam from the hood melting. I never even checked under the hood since spring(probably should make it a habit). I'll keep you all informed.

 

[rblass]

Re: mercury outboard fire

Results Progressive has agreed to pay $2800.00 of a $3000.00 repair bill. Paying for everything except the deductable and the cost of the voltage regulator(which they feel overheated and started the fire). Turns out they pay for the damage caused by the defective part. However, they do not pay for the the defective part itself. Satisfied customer.