new 250 pro xs and cold water

[Phoenix Jim]

Okay, I got a new bass cat last week that has yet to see water. I leave for Texas in three weeks and I am hoping to get the boat on the water here in Nebraska before that trip for some break in purposes and seat time. The ice is almost all gone but before I try it I am looking for reassurance. Obviously the water is cold so if I take it out I would let it warm up for at least 5 mins or more and even then I can only run around 4000 rpms and no more than 5400 rpms I believe. My question is will I be okay if I follow those procedures or wait til its warmer water? Thanks, you guys, especially Don, have been great with my questions. I guess I am nervous about this merc as I have read to much about some coil and fuel mapping issues. Thanks again

[GamblerHydra]

Sherm has a whole write up on this

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread/25496

[EuropeanAM]

+1 on Sherm's write up!

My "short version" is:

1. Start the engine, let it run at or near idle speed (no more than 1200 RPM) until temperature reaches a MINIMUM of 120 Degrees. If you don't have Smartcraft- you're "guessing".

2. After a run, stop and allow the engine to idle for 45-60 seconds before shutdown. This will allow the temperature to "stabilize" prior to shutdown.

Other than that... follow the break-in instructions. Remember to keep it "trimmed down" and "under load" so that the break-in clock counts down!

[sro114]

Not to cause a scare or rucus, but I just blew my new 250 Pro XS at 1.1 hours in 35 degree water. It was the number 6 cylinder that went and I was told that this cylinder gets hit with the cold water the most. Anyway, I believe I allowed plenty of time for warming up at initial takeoff and after playing with my electronics for a while. When we hooked up the computer it had average engine temp at 132 which I believe is right on.

Mercury and my dealer are taking care of it promptly and no questions asked, but it is a little disconcerting. I'm up north and fish the Columbia River all year long.

European, do you think the cold is what got it or do you have another theory. It shoved connecting rod out the side of the block. The hole was about the size of a ping pong ball. Also, is this more of an issue during initial break in and tolerances in the motor will be better after putting some hours on it?

[Phoenix Jim]

not to cause a scare!!! Now I am going to wait till July

[sro114]

Sorry Puma but I wouldn't have felt right not posting. Maybe the experts will be able to shed some light. I mean there are 250 Pro XS motors all over the country, surely they can be run in cold water.

[californiahillbilly]

Not sure if this is in the write up or not, or if it has any merit, but when taking off and on plane, you got to run ~3000 to 3500 RPM's for at least a mile before going to WOT.

This is what was told to me when I got an Optimax.

[EuropeanAM]

Sro: That's a tought one. Without pictures of the "window" in the block, and of the cyl, it's hard to say "for sure". Yes, tolerances are tighter on these engine when new... and that can exasperate the need for proper warm up. There are many other possibilities also... wrist pin or rod failure, direct injector failure, etc. It could also be a combination of temp AND RPM range it was running at.

California: You're correct. It is wise, after warm-up, to "gradually" increase RPM's over a one-mile or so area.

The "warm up" and "cool down" cannot be stressed enough... and it's not JUST an Optimax engine that this is important on!

[sro114]

Yes, I wish I had some pictures for you, but fortunately Jeff at Nixons marine is all over taking care of it.

I was at 3100 RPM when it went. Anyway, I'm assuming something just wasn't quite right with the motor because I've never had issues with my past motors in the cold. That said my other motors have been smaller. I'm having the MercMonitor installed so that I can really watch the temperature for now on so hopefully this will help prevent another issue.

[EuropeanAM]

+1 on installing the Mercmonitor!

[Bass Commander]

Surely you have the Smartcraft...avoid blasting off until you see the temp rise THEN FALL, indicating the thermostats have opened. Its a little time consuming but it can sure save you some fishing time and $$ in the long run.

[Phoenix Jim]

I do have smartcraft and I will give it plenty of time. Thanks

[carolina killer]

I don't think the cold water has much to do with running one when it's cold.. I think it has more to do with letting the engine run a little while to get everything warmed up.. I have fished two tourneys already this year with air temps from 10 to 17 degrees and water temps around 38 to 45... I have been in these situation several times over the past four years with four different Opti Max engines.. So far knock on wood I haven't had and problems but I religiously let the motor warm longer than most people do.. I let the motor warm up for at least 20 minutes before I started.. I idled around the take off area all the while putting the motor in and out of gear.. I even gave it gas several times getting the rpms up around 1500 while it was in gear.. I blasted off WOT and ran for about 9 miles at 10 degree air temps the first tourney.. The second one it was 17 degrees I did the same thing except I ran about 15 mile WOT..
It's all about letting them warm up really well before you put the hammer down..

[Phoenix Jim]

Thanks for the info Killer, I will do the same

[EuropeanAM]

And I'll add... I've worked on Terry's last FOUR motors... have NEVER seen any signs of a "temperature related issue".

[esdbass]

Just my opinion but if it was properly warmed up which it seems to be it might have been a lean spot in the fuel curve in the mid range. #6 is a very common one to go down, it's not an easy diagnosis or cure and all you can do is run the motor the way Merc tells you to and use the right additives and fresh gas and hope for the best.

Glad Merc and your dealer are taking care of you and that shows well for both of them

[sro114]

Thanks for the information guys. My dealer called today and the boat is up and ready to go. About 13 business days since I took it to them and I'm on the West Coast so I am very pleased with their performance. I guess that's what you get when you buy from reputable manufacturers and retailers.

I'm not going to lie, I'm going to be a little nervous but hopefully all is well.

[2500]

as a precaution I idle ingear for several minutes (mainly to get out of NO WAKE ZONE" then jump up and run the boat through the RPM band 2000 then 3000 and so forth letting the engine stablize between bands, I was always warned to let the gear oil also come up to temp, even though the shaft is spinning the water pump I feel the oil is cold and viscosity is thick until it warms up. I also do a shift between R-N-F a couple of times as well to heat up the oil and all.

my pet pev.

[John Jackson]

I too always warm mine up until the temp drops on the smartcraft. For me, it usually hits 120 then drops back to 117 degrees.

As far as warming lower unit, the fluids will stay around the same temp as the water. Aluminum transfers heat very well. That's why they can be hard to shift initially on a cold morning, but after sitting a few minutes in the water, the lower warms up to water temp and becomes functional again.