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I am wondering if these things have a shelf life. I have gone through 3 coils within 10 hrs of each other. The engine has 150 hrs on it. When I receive the new coil the plug cap is red instead of black is that a new supplier, I hope so. Is Merc doing anything to recall the old coils and last but not least has anyone had a failure with the red plug cap coils. Thanks Guy's
Can you provide me with the part number of the coils you've been receiving?
The "red caps" on plug wires are an older design plug wire.... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
The part # is 339-879984A 1 . I have not had a problems with these coils I have only had failures with the original coils. Thanks for all your help you are a great asset to this site.
I would recommend checking all the connectors for the ignition coils (as well as the large "coil harness" connector at the top of the coil plate). Ensure that there are no signs of melting, and that all pins are "firmly" in place.
Also, I would recommend testing the VRS (also known as the CPS or Crankshaft Position Sensor) with an "Ohm Meter". Resistance should be AT LEAST 200 ohms. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
I just had 2 go bad, my Tech had a older 06 model coil with the red boots, the 2 he ordered came today with red boots also. I took it out today and ran it for about a half hour and it ran great. I have 62 hours on my 08 250 proXS.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jettdog68 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just had 2 go bad, my Tech had a older 06 model coil with the red boots, the 2 he ordered came today with red boots also. I took it out today and ran it for about a half hour and it ran great. I have 62 hours on my 08 250 proXS.
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Good deal! I honestly haven't had one of the "A1" coils here... I always order them in a "T00" suffix number (same coil without the plug wire). http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
Is the part number the same for the XS motors?...
Is it bad when you have to keep a spare coil with you when you are on the road fishing a T. I would think Merc would try to find the problem, it seems the 08 250 pro xs engines are the biggest problem. It's to the point now I just walk into my dealer and I throw him a coil and he throws me a new one. The Merc support trailer at the T's run out of the coils at an Elite T's. That should say something.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RobShaw1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is the part number the same for the XS motors?...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes, provided that your engine DOES NOT have "external mounted coil drivers" (module/drivers mounted on top of the ignition coils).
Mercury is aware of the problem, and is working with the vendor to resolve the issues. Although the failure rates are improving... it's "not a situation that can be fixed overnight" as the problem is "at the vendor level". http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
Knock on wood- I have yet to pull a 339-879984T00 off the shelf that failed. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
we all know merc is working on the problem...i am now waiting on my 2nd coil on a 08 250 pro that has less then 20hrs..coil 1...went fishin...coil 4...thats 2 ruined fishing trips and 4 days traveling back an forth to the dealership....not fun and i still get to wait for the other 4 to blow....merc wont authroize the dealership to change them all at once...so i will be speaking to them myself once i get the serial number....california does have a lemon law that includes boats.......jack
My motor (08 225) is in the shop as we speak for the third coil in 20 hrs. I called Mercury to express my concerns and they have asked that the technician call them and they will assist in the diagnostics. They felt that after this process I should not have this problem. We will see. But if I do my dealer and I will have a long talk and I will not have a black motor on the back of my boat. I love it but it is frustrating to worry that every time you take it out you wonder if it is the trip where a coil is going to fail. They have offered to give me a coil to keep in the boat. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif
i wont take the coil..yea so they are plug an go...thats not my problem..my problem is the 20k or so i spent on the motor...it works or it doesnt i am not going back an forth to the dealer (triton didnt make the motor) merc did....merc if u are reading this...i will get a 09 cause i aint puttin up with this..and i will be calling and emailing......jack
Jack and others interested:
I know you are frustrated- and yes, there are some coil issues.
The latest information I received is that there should be an updated coil available within a couple months (MAYBE less).
The issue with the current coil is a vendor issue. It's not always the "same" exact failure (though a failed coil fails either "open or shorted").
Mercury does not manufacture the coils, but they are working diligently to get the issues rectified.
Replacing "multiple" coils at the same time (when only one is currently failed)... is not only "costly"... it is unwise (because it's just as possible to have a "bad one" in the new batch... at least you know 5 of the coils on your engine currently are functioning). http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
So is Merc gonna issue a recall???? Or are we gonna have to live with coils going down until all are replaced????
I want a recall, replace all the coils so I do not need to run my boat to the shop multiple times per year. I already had a coil go down in my 08 ProXS and had to live thru a mis diagnosis and several trips to the dealer....Time I could be on the lake.
No offence to Merc and I applaud European marine for the assistance, but if the new coil is released because of a faulty part, (and I don't care if it is a product not made by MERC, it is in their motor) then I expect the bad parts to ALL be replaced...not as they go bad.
I believe it is called customer service and customer satisfaction and frankly, if I have to endure the feeling that my engine will quit every time I hit the water and make multiple trips to the dealer, then this will be my last merc.
eurpe...i have no doubt merc is working on the problem and i realize its a vendor supplied part as are most of all motor parts of all vechiles...my point is...either merc authorizes all coils to be replaced at one time....or i will figure out under CA lemon law how to get a new motor....i am not going back in forth to the dealer and mechanic for a known problem...i have been twice now...3rd time qualifies me to contact a attorney for the CA lemon law....and it will happen..3rd time that is.....jack
I will be sure to pass along information on the new/replacement coils when they become available. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
In the meantime... I would recommend simply replacing any failed coil and fishing. I know that doesn't seem to be the answer you're looking for.... but any other route currently available is going to "keep you off the water for some time". http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
BTW... any of you having trouble getting coils in, should also consider the 89984T00 coil as an alternative- it's the same coil "without a plug wire on it". http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
Worst case- I've got a few of them on the shelf.
Sorry to hear of your problems... wish there was something more I could offer you!
Want to make sure you understand any (my) frustration is not with European marine, you have been very helpful, but this seems to be an ongoing issue with the proXS and I'm not a mechanic and actually mechanically challenged...LOL
Maybe if Merc wanted to train me and pay me to repair my own under warranty engine I'd feel different..... But something tells me they won't and I'm betting if I start messing with coils as an uncertifed tech that my warranty could be considered in jepardy.
They have a problem. Mercury needs to step up, get the new part and replace all the coils. I don't believe I'm asking too much and when the new coil is introduced it is exactly what I will ask of mercury.
hey europe, i respect your efforts to help and calm us down, but either way the bad coils are going to keep us off the water as well multiple trips to get them replaced. i realize its costly on merc to replace all 6 at one time...but so was the cash i paid to buy the dang thing.... i am one of the lucky ones as i can still pursue other avenues to get merc to wake up . while also being able to keep fishin...i have a 03 opti 225 sittin on on a 03 tr20....never had a problem with that one.....jack
If you could put your socks on your feet , you can change a coil ......
It was the fastest & most easy job i ever done on a 3.0L merc http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif
I don't wear socks.....And that may be, but I am not a tech and I do not want to jepordize my warranty.
But since its so easy, how do you recognize if it is a coil and which coil it is???
i know what the coil looks like and its basically plug an play...but u missin the point...brand new engine....bad coils... merc would have hard time proving to me they didnt know it during production...kinda like microsoft and windows...put it out there and we just send eveyone a patch to fix all the screwups.....who cares that the customer paid 15-20k for that enigne......jack
Well I picked my boat up today. Coil number one had failed. I have had coils 1,2 and 5 replaced in 22 hours of use. This time they worked with Mercury and could find nothing wrong but the coil. Who knows if they actually called Mercury. The technician also stated what European am has stated about the release of new coils in a couple months. He also gave me words of encouragement when he said mine is the first motor he has replaced three coils on. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/mad.gif
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dandy82 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Maybe if Merc wanted to train me and pay me to repair my own under warranty engine I'd feel different..... But something tells me they won't and I'm betting if I start messing with coils as an uncertifed tech that my warranty could be considered in jepardy.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Again, I feel your frustration (believe me, I do... I deal with more than just ONE motor). I can say conclusively that if you chose to swap out a coil while you were on the water (because one on your motor went down), and you used a Merc Coil, that it would NOT affect your warranty in any adverse manner. In all honesty... it's about as simple to replace as a spark plug.
The problem would be "knowing which one to replace". You'd need a spark tester, or a timing light.... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eyes.gif
Could you pull one plug wire off at a time start the motor and the one that makes no change in the engine idle should be the one? I pulled the spark plugs till I found the wet one.
Is this problem isolated to '08 models only? Any issues on '09's so far?
My dealer tech said he has seen them on the 09 as well. I asked that question yesterday.
You can add me to the list of coil problems. I just had my first one replaced on my '08 with 63 hrs. on it.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Sterling »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Could you pull one plug wire off at a time start the motor and the one that makes no change in the engine idle should be the one? I pulled the spark plugs till I found the wet one.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You could, but I wouldn't recommend it! If you pull "a live one".... it will probably REALLY LIGHTEN YOUR DAY! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif
Primarly applies to late 2007-> current (to answer the question of what years).
just wanted to add my experience so far. I bought a brand new 2009 mercury 225 pro xs on a new triton 19x3. was supposed to pick it up may 2/09, that didn't happen. dealer called me and said don't bother coming down (5 hour drive) I took your boat out for the pre delivery inspection and it "fell flat on its face", those are his words. he got the motor running and up on plane then then he told me it just quit and would not restart. he had to use the trolling motor to get back from the other end of the lake. diagnosis: one coil failed or shorted out and fried the computer. so they are going to replace computer and bad coil. makes me feel great after spending $50,000 on this thing. thanks mercury, now I'm sitting at home this week --- no fishing for me, one week down. anybody any suggestions???
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eek.gif Not a whole lot I could say that will make you feel better....
Only good news is that it shouldn't take long to get the replacement PCM and coil in to install. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif
Better that it failed on them... than you! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eyes.gif
A cheap strob light on plug wire , if no blinking light check plug ! if the plug is wet , change plug w another.. if the plug still wet = bad coil !
you could also change place of coil and check coil driver...
Easy work , and u dont have to go "inside" of motor http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif
I know a couple of the Elite series guys who are running experimental coils. So for so good on them. I hope this issue will go away.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eagle670 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">A cheap strob light on plug wire , if no blinking light check plug ! if the plug is wet , change plug w another.. if the plug still wet = bad coil !
you could also change place of coil and check coil driver...
Easy work , and u dont have to go "inside" of motor http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif </TD></TR></TABLE>
I realize the job is an easy one.... Now all I need to do is purchase a strob, carry plugs, carry coils along with other tools on the water with me at all times....LOL
Seriously, I believe Merc should PAY anyone who does thier own service because Merc can't get a coil made that will not fail at a rate unacceptable.
Fortunately, I have only one coil go down so far but now the thing is leaking oil.... Looks like its coming from the small tank under the cowling.
Is there a quick fix for this I can do myself???? Do I need to go to merc school? http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif
guess I have the same problem. Will take it in Monday but I am thinking coil. Boat will only go 1200 rpms. Thinking about buying back my 2000 yammie still sitting on the lot. My Pro XS only has 12 hours on it. I have no faith in this motor.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Puma Jim »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">guess I have the same problem. Will take it in Monday but I am thinking coil. Boat will only go 1200 rpms. Thinking about buying back my 2000 yammie still sitting on the lot. My Pro XS only has 12 hours on it. I have no faith in this motor.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Understood..... My 06 E-tec wasn't as fast...But it wasn't in for service every other week either. I'll wait until Merc comes out with the new coil and see if they are gonna recall my engine. If not, I don't want to lose money but I may put the engine up for sale.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Puma Jim »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">guess I have the same problem. Will take it in Monday but I am thinking coil. Boat will only go 1200 rpms. Thinking about buying back my 2000 yammie still sitting on the lot. My Pro XS only has 12 hours on it. I have no faith in this motor.</TD></TR></TABLE>
One coil is not likely to limit you to 1200 RPM's. A shift switch, on the other hand, just might. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dandy82 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Fortunately, I have only one coil go down so far but now the thing is leaking oil.... Looks like its coming from the small tank under the cowling.
Is there a quick fix for this I can do myself???? Do I need to go to merc school? http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif </TD></TR></TABLE>
Does it appear to be coming from the "top" or the "bottom" of the oil tank? You could (with the engine off) carefully unscrew the cap on the top of the tank, check the o-ring on the cap, and ensure that it's clean (and no debris trapped under it). Snug the cap down CAREFULLY (they're plastic, and will break if overtightened). http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EuropeanAM »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Does it appear to be coming from the "top" or the "bottom" of the oil tank? You could (with the engine off) carefully unscrew the cap on the top of the tank, check the o-ring on the cap, and ensure that it's clean (and no debris trapped under it). Snug the cap down CAREFULLY (they're plastic, and will break if overtightened). http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
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Comng from the top...... From the large cap, not the small..... But I've had it in the shop, again, and a new oil container installed.
I may start a thread entitled" Fishing trips my Merc ran without a trip to the dealer".... But I'm afraid it would be hijacked by all the other satisfied Merc owners..... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif
Seriously, we'll see how long the motor goes without issue....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dandy82 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Comng from the top...... From the large cap, not the small..... But I've had it in the shop, again, and a new oil container installed.
I may start a thread entitled" Fishing trips my Merc ran without a trip to the dealer".... But I'm afraid it would be hijacked by all the other satisfied Merc owners..... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif
Seriously, we'll see how long the motor goes without issue....</TD></TR></TABLE>
Your oil tank (under cowling) has more than one cap? http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EuropeanAM »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Your oil tank (under cowling) has more than one cap? http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
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The larger cap was leaking oil....The oil was dripping on the harness(inside the cowling) and weeping down all the lines into the well. A real mess.
After a trip to the dealer, its been replaced.
I appreciate your assistance...you are a value to the boards...but i'm a little sour on Merc at this time...... I'm afraid to make a long run, fearing i'll be stranded at some point. This motor is gonna need to run trouble free for a while to gain my confidence.
I realize issues can arise with any product..... But we now know it is a part that should be considered defective and replaced with a more reliable part. Merc needs to issue a recall.