Anyone having a problem with the latches locking properly on the cowling of your xs four strokes ?
Anyone having a problem with the latches locking properly on the cowling of your xs four strokes ?
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I have not seen any problems with top cowling handle/latches. All I've operated worked well as long as the button was pushed when moving the handle.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Only if you miss the guides. Put a little WD on the cowl seal and she'll slide down a little easier
Are the XS cowling's lighter than the standard fourstoke? I have a standard V6 200 and I must admit the cowling seems heavy.
I heard the Pro XS cowling was 'lighter', but good lord it's heavy !!!! Much heavier than my old Opti Pro XS cowling. I don't know what these new ones actually weigh, but it feels like 20+ lbs !!!! (or more)
2020 BassCat Eyra w/Merc v8 Pro XS (2b685615)
2008 Triton TR196 w/Merc200 (1B505505)
2024 Havoc Alum Duck boat w/ Mod Mercury 3-cyl 2-stroke
0T899507 w/1B728726 powerhead (sleeved/ported/welded chambers, mod carbs/tuner &light flywheel)
Previously owned:
2018 Eyra w/Merc250 (2b525704)
2015 PII w/Merc200 (2b115304)
Brooks tunnel w/Merc 200 carb & CLE l/u motor (A913415)
The cowlings are considerably heavier- and should normally be removed from inside the boat (for best leverage, least strain).
Most of the CMS V8 cowlings are essentially the same.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Mine is an absolute bugger. I dread pulling it off. I have a warranty claim on it. When we hung the motor the dealer commented on it as well. I think the latches are not adjusted properly. Mine cracked the cowl. Still waiting to hear on the warranty.
Right now I leave it on and if I have to pull it, I usually get down on the floor with a flash light and make sure everything is lined up. You should not have to push the handle hard to get it to lock in.
Allison XB21 2+2
Mercury 300R
One additional warning on removing/replacing the cowling: After getting my boat serviced last fall, the ignition wires were easily caught by the cowling as it was replaced and loosened up a spark plug wire. During my first trip after the service the boot came off the plug. I took it back to the dealer and they easily found the issue, but when the replaced the cowling they did it again and caught it before I picked it up.
Long story short, they had to reroute one of my plug wires to be tucked in a little better and not get caught by the cowling.
Last edited by Bmdubya; 09-16-2019 at 12:31 PM.
cowling is definately tough to get to line up to make it latch properly...
Sterling 22XS / Mercury Pro XS V8
2016 Ranger 1850 LS Reata / Merc 150 4s / SmartCraft / Lowrance HDS Carbon SS3D
All good to know -- thanks !
I have found with mine that tilting up the motor to about 15 degrees from vertical makes it a more natural motion to pull off and reinstall the cowl without catching on motor parts. The angle will vary with each person I assume due to different individuals height.
2018 Z521L 250 PRO XS V8
I just checked mine ..sure enough its tilted about 3/8" out of wack ...just what i need is my cowling bouncing down the highway.....gggrrrrrrrr!
2019 BCB Classic
Merc V8 200 4S
Standing in the back of the boat pulling V8 4S cover is much easier than on the ground pulling the 2S Opti cover.