250xs blown #6 options?

[doug'sdad]

had a compressor fail and after replacement discovered that number 6 failed had no compression. motor has 200hrs, 3 months off of warr. mech says options are to 1. rebuild that cylinder only, $3500. 2. buy remanufactured block from merc if available no price. 3. new block from merc that would come with another 1 yr warranty $7000. has anyone been in this position. i don't want to go "cheap" only to be in this position later. Anybody had a single cylinder rebuilt and lived happily ever after? thanks in advance!!

[Hardhead1]

Those choices only ? #3 option, all new short block with 1 yr warranty, would be my pick.

[Largemouthlou]

3500 to rebuild one cylinder????? Don is that right?? I would have thought ya could do a stock rebuild on the whole motor for that!!

[EuropeanAM]

I don't know exactly what is being done on the "rebuild".... IF I were rebuilding one, it would go back to "standard bore" with a new piston in that cyl, hone and check all other cyl's, new rings, bearings, gaskets and seals, plus (of course), the compressor.

IMO: I'd seriously consider the reman powerhead. The warranty (on Merc Powerheads) is 1 year <U>Parts and Labor</U>.

[esdbass]

I think you call Merc and speak with them. Being only 3 months out of warranty they may work with you on this one.

In regards to fixing it there are several excellent shops that can probably do the work under 3500 if it's just a re sleeve.

Wayne Worthy at Hydro Tec being one of them, Eric Simon another.

[Bullet250]

The 250 XS is "FAMOUS" for the #6 piston seizing - deal tough with Mercury - only months out of warranty and they know the problems with that motor.

[EuropeanAM]

Can we get a serial # on this 250XS? Although I don't agree that these seizures are common- they do happen, and I agree that you should speak with Merc about it. Your engine will need to be AT a Mercury (authorized) Dealer.

Can't say that they WILL do anything... but it's possible. Cause of failure will be the key, of course.

Got any pictures of that piston, cyl. and the rod/bearings?

[fastglass1]

I had a different issue and was 6 month out of warranty and Merc covered the cost of the part. My cost would have been $1000 for the part.

Talk to Merc.

[doug'sdad]

thanks for the info, no reman blocks available going to have this one completely rebuilt. spoke to merc, they said to talk to merc racing. merc racing said too bad. i have owned 3 mercs never a problem. now that i have an issue they are zero help, but i can tell you that this will be my last merc. they have lost a customer for life. as for pictures i don't have any, they showed me some scratches on the head and the sleeve, said they were part of the piston. I will try to get a serial number for the motor. thanks again.

[EuropeanAM]

I'm going to guess that your total number of hours have some bearing on what you were told.

I would like to get your serial number, just to reference (and check what other options may be out there for you).

[doug'sdad]

i bought it with 188hrs, failure occured at 200hrs. serial number is ot999412. we have to decide between the rebuilt motor 6100 (1 new piston, 1 sleeve, all new rings, and supplies with 24hrs labor). new merc block is 9000 (including 18hrs labor). thanks in advance europeanam.

[bassdude57]

Were the fuel rails cleaned out before replacing that compressor? What happened to that compressor to cause it to fail? If the compressor blew, it could have blown chunks in the fuel rail which in turn debris gets into the injectors. If that compressor was replaced and the fuel rails were not cleaned, then the residual debris got to your injectors. If you're reusing the fuel rails and injectors after the rebuild, make sure that you clean them or you'll risk blowing up the rebuild.

What are the warranty options on the rebuilds? The new Merc block seems the way to go providing that ALL steps were taken to install it.

Good luck!

[EuropeanAM]

I too would encourage you to consider the complete powerhead. Sleeving on these engine is VERY, VERY critical to proper performance... and there ARE different sleeves.

If you don't get the right one- you may be right back up the same "alley". Be careful!

[esdbass]

Don: You are the expert but I would think a shop like Hydro Tec / Wayne Worthy could be an option he should explore?.

Wayne has manufacturing facilities like few shops in the nation, real Mercury racing experience and is one of the leaders in 3 L Performance technology. He is also one of the most honest trust worthy guys in the industry and stands behind his work. I bet it would be a lot cheaper than what I've seen quoted here?

[EuropeanAM]

I'm certain that Wayne is both capable and trustworthy- and that he could rebuild this engine "for less money" than a new one (as could I, and many other tech's out there).

My only concern is with the sleeve... which is outside all of our control.

"All 3L Optimax Sleeves are not created equal"... some may not even BE AVAILABLE (with the correct porting or port timing).

As far as warranty/Merc, there may be more to the story... but having looked up a complete powerhead, it appears that you should be able to have a BRAND NEW powerhead (Part# 61-841017A52) installed at average labor prices for $8700-$9000.00, if there are no additional external parts needed. Is this what they are talking about, or are they talking about a new block, with your internals???

[esdbass]

Don: What's the concern with the sleeve? Wayne's shop can sleeve, port etc etc

[EuropeanAM]

Specifically port sizing and timing. It needs to be VERY precise.

If that can be "guaranteed correct"... I would absolutely consider rebuilding it!

[JeremyL]

I would be willing to bet you could buy a new 250proxs for 13-14K.

[simonmotorsports]

I can rebuild your motor for 6000.00 with all new pistons, bearings, seals, gaskets, clean injectors, lighten flywheel, balance rods and pistons , and check ECU. It will be extra if you need a crank. When I am finished I break the motor in on the dyno and warranty it for 1 year. I also offer another year of warranty for 1800.00 . If you have any questions feel free to ask. http://www.simonmotorsports.com

[EuropeanAM]

Welcome aboard, Eric. That sounds like a pretty good option, in my opinion.