2003 Air Compressor belt broke

[521rangerman]

I have a 2003 Mercury 250sx optimax pro the racing engine. I noticed my engine didn’t sound as quit as it usually does. Like a belt or ?. As I was heading to the ramp the engine died and would only idle. Got the boat home and noticed Air Compressor belt had broken. The motor has apprx 270 hours and I take very good care of the boat and engine. My question is how do you check to see if the Air Compress is ok before installing the belt?
I heard the Air Compressor cost around $1200, ouch.
Thanks Tony

[EuropeanAM]

Tony:

Responded to your email in detail.

[521rangerman]

I tried to turn it clockwise but it turns so far then stops. It maybe locked up.
Don't understand why it went out or what I can do to prevent this again.
Would my boat insurance help pay for this? I thinking it wil cost around 2K for tuneup, new air compressos,etc.
Tony

[EuropeanAM]

Tony:

You may find it helpful to disconnect the air pressure supply hose from the compressor (or from the rail). Be sure to RELIEVE air pressure FIRST via the Port-side rail Schrader Valve.

Once the line is disconnected, see if you can rotate the compressor clockwise, by hand. If not- it's likely experienced a bearing/rod/piston failure.

Unfortunately, most insurance policies do not cover "mechanical breakdown".

If the compressor has failed- suggested items are:

-New compressor
-New compressor oil return line filters (2)
-Clean Fuel Rails
-Clean and Service Direct Injectors.

We'd be happy to assist you with the rails and injectors (send them in).... and can provide you with a new compressor & filters at a BBC discounted price.

http://www.europeanmarine.org/injectorservice.html

[521rangerman]

Don,
What causes a air compressor to go out? Trying to figure out what caused the air compressor to go out so this doesn't happen again.
Tony

[EuropeanAM]

That's a tough question to answer, without teardown and inspection of the compressor.

What I can tell you is that we see MORE compressor failures in the spring/fall, presumably due to corrosion in the compressor.

Air compressors produce moisture (from condensation). This moisture, if left sitting on the cylinder wall of the compressor can lead to corrosion and/or rust.

Some of the steps you might take to help prevent this are covered in the following post:

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerot...gines

Note: If you order the latest (new) compressor, it's a completely redesigned model, with better lateral bearing support for the crankshaft (design improvement).

[521rangerman]

Don,
Taking boat in today. The number on the Air Compressor on the boat is 828123 C8. How would I know they got the new design? Do you have the part number so I can look up a pic of the new design? My SN for my motor is 0T652483. Wish your shop was closer so I could have you work on it.

[EuropeanAM]

The correct (and latest) Part Number compressor for your engine is #8M0050655.

The external appearance of the compressor is VERY similar (differences are INTERNAL).