Problem with 08 250 Pro XS

[JRBjr]

The motor runs fine after it warms up but it takes about 60 seconds before it will go. If I try to run it before it is warm it misses really bad and won't go at all. At times it will go dead but always restarts fine. The idle is perfect. Even when I am going to change locations, I still have to wait for it to warm up. I have replaced 2 coils already in this motor that is just a year old. What could be my problem. I am tired of having trouble out of this motor. I ran my old EFI for 7 years and it never gave me trouble like this one. I bought it because I felt it would be more reliable but just the opposite has happened. I make some long runs in some of the tournaments I fish but with this motor, I am afraid to do it. I understand that it is prudent to let the optimax warm up before running it but is it normal for it to do what mine is doing? Should I take it to the mechanic?

[redline]

Do you prime the bulb before you start off after a brief shut-down? You MUST do this due to the vapor-lock that E-10 fuels bless us with. Start here first........

[Phoenix Jim]

sounds just like my 08 pro XS. Really disappointed in this motor. I just got mine out of the shop for a coil so I hope it is better. Had a yamaha for 10 years and no problems. This pro XS did not even get over 10 hours.

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by redline &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do you prime the bulb before you start off after a brief shut-down? You MUST do this due to the vapor-lock that E-10 fuels bless us with. Start here first........</TD></TR></TABLE>

+1

Also.... how many hours on the engine now? What maintenance has been done recently?

In many cases.... a simple set of spark plugs can make a WORLD of difference in idle quality, starting, and performance.

[JRBjr]

About 100 hours on the engine. I have a new set of plugs installed as well as a new filter. Are you saying that before I start the motor everytime I need to go to the back and pump the bulb?

[redline]

Yes.

[JRBjr]

If I have to go to the back and pump my primer bulb before I start every time, I am going to sell this motor and buy a Yamaha. I move a lot when I am fishing. This really stinks.


Modified by JRBjr at 8:11 PM 6/29/2009

[redline]

Don't blame the motor...it is NOT unique to Mercury outboards and affects all makes. Blame the fuel.......

[JAZII]

Like KVD is going to pump his primer bulb "EVERY TIME HE FIRES UP HIS PRO XS"!

Will turning the key switch to the on position for a few seconds, to let the fuel pump build pressure work?

JAZII

[redline]

No, that won't work, most of the time. What you are doing by priming the bulb is pressuring the VST and purging a vapor-lock caused by the ethanol based fuel. This is becoming more and more of an issue especially with the advent of warmer and more humid weather, and the varying / inconsistencies with E-10. Some of you may not ever have a problem, but if you do, try this simple "fix" first, before you throw the towel in......:)

[JRBjr]

Redline, thanks for the advice, I will give it a try and see what happens.

[DanielM]

how much would you want for the motor if you do sell might take it off your hands

[JRBjr]

If I sell it I would try and sell the whole rig. 2008 Triton X2, 250 Pro XS with warranty until Feb. 2013.

[bass21]

Daniel M i seen ur post on another thread and was woundering if u still wanted to sell the lcx 28

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by redline &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No, that won't work, most of the time. What you are doing by priming the bulb is pressuring the VST and purging a vapor-lock caused by the ethanol based fuel. This is becoming more and more of an issue especially with the advent of warmer and more humid weather, and the varying / inconsistencies with E-10. Some of you may not ever have a problem, but if you do, try this simple "fix" first, before you throw the towel in......:)</TD></TR></TABLE>

+1 And yes, this is affecting outboards of "all colors and decals".

Turning the key on and off MAY HELP.... but the only way to ENSURE that the VST and fuel pumps have "liquid fuel" available to them is to "pump the primer bulb".

And yes... some of you never had to do this before. It's the increasing amounts of (and introduction of) ethanol that is causing the majority of these issues.

[Phoenix Jim]

I agree, My yamaha never required pumping the bulb before starting. I read on here where guys had a bad coil and their dealer replaced all the coils. I asked mercury why all mine were not replaced since they go bad and here is their reponse. So much for great customer service I heard about. My motor is cold blooded and needs coils replaced every 10 or so hours.

Thank you for your recent letter regarding your 250 horsepower Optimax Pro XS engine, serial number xxxxxxx. Our records indicate your engine was purchased on February 16, 2009 with a three-year standard factory warranty. In addition, the two-year promotional warranty expires on February 16, 2014.

In June of 2009, your dealer informed us your engine had fifteen hours of run time on it when the number three ignition coil required replacement. The subsequent replacement of the ignition coil demonstrated the engine was running up to specification.

Mercury Marine would like to apologize for the inconvenience of our recent part failure. If your engine should require service in the future, we suggest contacting your authorized Mercury dealer to have service performed. Mercury is unable to replace components, which have not failed, under the terms of the limited warranty. We sincerely hope to receive your understanding regarding our warranty limitations. Mercury Marine will document your complaint regarding your recent ignition coil replacement.

Thank you, Mr. xxxx, for allowing us the opportunity to share our point of view. Your continued patronage is appreciated.

Best regards,

Mercury Outboard Customer Assistance

Ref.# 2009-116030

Please do not reply to this email. Should you need further email contact, please go through our website (www.mercurymarine.com) under the 'contact us' heading.




Modified by Puma Jim at 4:29 PM 6/30/2009

[EuropeanAM]

Jim:

The email response you received does reflect the terms of Mercury's written warranty. Their warranty provides for "repair or replacement of components" which have a "defect in materials or workmanship".

Unfortunately, a coil which "functions properly" is not considered "currently defective".

Outside of the "warranty" aspect.... replacement of SIX ignition coils is not a wise practice.... especially since 5 of them have been cycle tested for 15 hours, in your case, without issue.

Although I've heard reports of six coils being replaced- when you check into the "details".... it's usually ONLY because the technician could not (or would not) take the time to "duplicate and locate" the issue.

Now... let's see if we can help with the original "poster's" issue?

[JRBjr]

Redline you were right on the money about pumping the bulb. I ran the motor yesterday and tried what you said and it worked. Everytime I pumped the bulb the motor ran without a miss. If I didn't it took a while at ilde to get it to run. Thank you for the information. I hate to think that before I move from one spot to another that I will have to take the time to do that but at least I know what is going on. Do you think that when the weather cools down that it will get better?

[redline]

Good. Glad that it worked. With regard to the cooler weather....the answer is......probably not going to change. The problem is they change the fuel's formulation with the advent of cooler weather. Suffice to say...the e-10 fuel will continue to be problematic. Now.....I would also recommend changing your primer bulb in the event that the shuttle valve in the bulb itself is sticking {open} or hanging up. It may be allowing fuel to bleed back into the tank. It's inexpensive and may "reduce" the frequency of "pumping the bulb"........:)

[JRBjr]

Thanks redline for all your help. I will get a new bulb and see if that helps. I still don't understand what is happening though. Is it a vapor lock that keeps the engine from getting the necessary fuel when I first start it?