Possible compressor failure

[how900]

2007 225 optis 390hrs, today during a one of our eco tours we heard a nasty knocking, rattle with a bit of wht sounded like belt squeal, sounds like its from the top of the engine, from what i'm reading this seems like the compressor, is it an easy to change, do you need any special tools or knowledge, someone i spoke to at the dock was said I needed all the fuel linese flushing, seems an odd thing to need but please tell me if you know about this, can I just remove and fit a new one or is there any special things to do. I have the service book but just want a bit of "seen it and done it advice"

[EuropeanAM]

If indeed the compressor has failed, you will need to obtain a replacement and install it.

You will also want to replace the two (small) inline oil filters on the return lines.... these filters help to trap any debris from the compressor (and prevent it from entering the upper and lower crankshaft bearings).

Depending on the "type" of failure in the compressor, it may actually be wise to clean the FUEL RAILS and the DIRECT INJECTORS. The fuel lines, however, should not be affected by a compressor failure.

Is your engine still under warranty???? If so, such a failure is "almost always" covered.

[how900]

thanks for your reply, do the 3lt efi engines have the same compressor, i got a tilt and trim unit off an engine which someone is breaking. Just wondering if this would get me out of trouble for a while. My engine are registered as commercial so I only get 1 year warranty.
Are the line oil filters part of routine servicing, I dont think mine have ever been changed.
Thanks
H

[EuropeanAM]

EFI engines do not utilize an "air compressor" (used on Optimax/DFI engines only).

The oil line filters should be replaced:

-Any time the compressor is replaced
-Any time proper oil flow is "suspect" (such as seal leaks on the compressor).

[how900]

Well the compressor came off today and I've taken a couple of photos of the damage inside, the bottom bearing on the connecting rod has failed, there seems to be plenty of oil on the components. I have read that mercury have experienced some problems with compressors during 2007, have you seen thins type of failure before. or at least I would if i could work out how to add some images, i click the add image button and it add this, [IMG][/IMG]

any ideas how to add an image here

[how900]

On the compressor there are 3 oil line connections, what appears to be one feed line at the top and 2 return lines at the bottom, does all the oil for the engine past through the compressor or just some, where do the return lines go or connect to, is there a way to check i have enough oil flow.
thanks
Howard

[EuropeanAM]

To post an image, it must be hosted somewhere on the web (shutterfly, etc).

View the image, right click on it, choose "properties", and then highlight the ENTIRE "url" of the image. Copy and past the URL between the "IMG" backets.

The compressor receives approximately 1/7 of the oil that goes through the oil pump (it's connected to 1 of 7 output ports on the oil pump). Oil passes through the compressor, and then is fed to the UPPER and LOWER CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS. There are (or should be) white inline filters in the return lines between the compressor and crank bearings (these should be replaced any time the compressor is changed).

Flow can be checked by performing an "oil pump prime" sequence with the Computer Diagnostic System (or a DDT).