2007 optis, the plot thickens

[how900]

Hi Don,
We are working through our lack of power problem and it appears that number 6 coil pack has gone on each engine, having just replaced the air injector on number six cyl on each engine i am lost as to what is going on, compression test was ok, fuel line and filter are ok.
The engine run ok on 5 cyls but no power just a bit lumpy. would this not set an alarm off on my smartcraft if a coil pack went out. Any idea what might be causeing coils pack and air injector on no 6 on both engine to go out.
thanks
Howard

[EuropeanAM]

The PCM can only register certain types of coil problems, under "certain conditions".

The PCM does not monitor the "secondary circuit" of the coil AT ALL (voltage is about 79.9K volts too high for the ECM's circuitry)

However, IF you suspect that you have a bad coil (or coils), I would highly recommend that you get the engine to an Authorized Mercury Dealer (or contact Mercury directly). Reference Service Bulletin 2009-26.

[how900]

I'm just reluctant to go to my dealer as they are clueless and keep nothing in stock, I kid not, i'm importing my oil because they are so cash strapped they cant afford to stock it. Last time i went for gear lube they offered me yamaha stuff that they had bought from the yam dealer 500 yards down the road and added 30% to the price.
My boat is 3 years old and run commercially,. Can the dealer do a test for bad coils or can I just swap them out. I know if I get the dealer in they mess about for weeks and at 100buck a pop i'll just order some new coils , I just cancelled 600bucks of trip for tomorrow so i just do the math and order the parts.
I'm not expecting warranty from mercury as as soon as we were a year old they are not interested.
Do you think out of warranty they might do anything? or should i just order some coils.
Do you fancy a holiday in grenada, just bring a bag full of coils and I'll sort the rest.

[EuropeanAM]

Look around and see if there's ANY better equipped Mercury Authorized Dealer in your area.

It may be worth the effort.

[how900]

I'm going to swap out my batteries as I have a differance in charging voltage, Just want to be sure that its not a battery problem. i know it improtant on these, whats the recommended spec.

[how900]

only one dealer in here, small island an all that, next closest in trinidad and that 100 miles of nasty sea between us

[EuropeanAM]

BARE MINUMUM "tested" Capacity is 800 CCA or 1000 MCA.

The MORE capacity- the better. AGM (Advanced Glass Mat) batteries are a good choice.... there's a list of "suggested" batteries in the "Commonly Used, Commonly Asked" post (pinned to the top of this forum).

[how900]

do you think weak batteries could couse the injector and coil problems

[EuropeanAM]

Weak battery can certainly cause PLENTY of problems. Unlikely that coils or injectors failing is one of those items, however (the system would shut down from low voltage prior to that occurring).

Verify battery capacity... and follow the recommendations in your IM's.