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  1. #1
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    Im really getting concerned

    A second buddy of mine just had his lower unit go out on his 4s 250 yesterday while practicing for the open.. again, nothing hit, serviced 30 hours ago... same thing he was told, not enough fluid in the lower unit... somebody please chime in on this issue...it's got me paranoid and now I am listening for that knocking sound in the lower unit!!
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    #2
    Not sure why anyone lets someone else do the basic service on a lower unit, it’s so simple.

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    #3
    Quote Originally Posted by Avanti View Post
    Not sure why anyone lets someone else do the basic service on a lower unit, it’s so simple.
    Lower unit service is included as part of the 20 or 100 hour service check. Having proper maintenance records is vital should a warranty issue arise.

  4. Member white gambler's Avatar
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    #4
    ^^yet millions of people let others change their oil in their cars ....though.... that's simple as well. Your post comes off as it's the boat owners fault for not doing it on their own. ?

    to the op, sorry to hear that for your buddy that sucks. I can understand you feeling paranoid. Fingers crossed that it's not a widespread issue.
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  5. Member
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    #5
    You could always drain it and replace it if you think it might be low. It’s not hard to do. You can get a change kit which includes the gaskets for the screws from Don.
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  6. Member
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    #6
    Not blaming the OP. It’s just that we have no feedback if the lower unit oil is low. Most of my lower unit oil changes were done by my dealer in the past, but not in the past 5-7 years, mostly because the dealer is gone. Now I just do it myself.

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    #7
    according to both buddys, the design of the unit is what keeps it from getting completely full..or that's what has been told to them I personally know 4 people that have had this happen in the past year...I know them well... there was a thread on here a few days ago about it and now i don't see it....Im just the messenger
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  8. Member thommo59's Avatar
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    #8
    These TM models only hold around 17oz, if you’re concerned when changing yours, just ensure it’s somewhere near this amount that goes back in
    2018 TRX 18. 2020 Mercury 200 Pro XS V8

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    #9

  10. Member Jasonrs's Avatar
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    #10
    Quote Originally Posted by thommo59 View Post
    These TM models only hold around 17oz, if you’re concerned when changing yours, just ensure it’s somewhere near this amount that goes back in
    This, if people expect to put 28oz in like before, then they would think its low

  11. Member
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    #11
    Yes the new ones only hold right at 17 ounces.
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  12. Member
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    #12
    I can’t make this up…at 8:05 this am my buddy fishing the open at Clayton called me…he was breaking in his new lower unit that went bad yesterday. He said they had 2 left at the trailer and he got 1 of them. His story was consistent with what VA said …the trailer tech told him you can’t just fill these like in the past. He took the motor up and down 6-7 times to fill the case.

    crazy timing this am for that call!

    (side note I have heard other reasons for the failure and they seem to be very specfic to bass boat applications PM If you want to discuss)
    Last edited by shooter66; 09-07-2021 at 05:47 AM.

  13. Member
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    #13
    well i would suggest that Mercury inform every dealer on how to fill these up correctly because apparently the dealer techs do not know. everyone of these that i know of have all had their service like they are supposed to
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  14. Member Extremeboating's Avatar
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    #14
    Wow. All it takes is 17 oz to fill up the lower end on these? I wonder if the issues they are having also has to do with a lack of sufficient lubrication due to low capability of capacity.
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  15. Member
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    #15
    could be...but the way it was explained to me the design is flawed..
    2021/ 200 hp 4 stroke pro xs
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  16. Member
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    #16
    Im not the engineer but something needs looked at (and they may be looking). We run these hard and at times for long runs, you cant compare a pontoon or crusier using them to what we do. I can count 6 in the last month on the St Lawrence alone in 2 big events and over 15 I have seen all spring/summer....all with no physical outside damage.
    Last edited by shooter66; 09-07-2021 at 05:59 AM.

  17. Member
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    #17
    And that is a big issue. and I love my motor, been running mercury for a long time.. I think Mercury needs step up here and let us know at least how to negate it. Apparently we can add oil to it ourselves but we shouldn't have to do any of it. it's the reason i bought a new boat with this motor so i wouldn't to do things like this.
    2021/ 200 hp 4 stroke pro xs
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  18. Member
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    #18
    I did my own service on my 250 4stroke engine and lower unit. Both were pretty straight forward. Did I miss something on the lower unit procedure? I just put the correct amount in ( I was surprised at how little the specs called for). But there was nothing I knew about as for a fill procedure.

    If I do my own service do I not have a warranty?

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    #19
    not sure... there isn't enough detail out there yet to know.
    2021/ 200 hp 4 stroke pro xs
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  20. Member
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    #20
    Is there potential harm in topping off if the level drops below the upper hole after putting in 17oz and running it?
    Anybody check the level between services or are you just putting 17 oz in and running it?

    Mine was around 7 oz below the fill hole after doing a 17 oz service 18 hrs ago.

    Or is this the unknown info you speak of?

    not sure if I should leave the 24oz in or just dump it and go back to 17. I was mostly doing this as a test because gear lube is not that expensive (compared to a lower unit).

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