Oil usage?

[khart]

2001 Merc. 225 EFI

How much oil should I be using per tank of gas? Just seams like I'm using a lot of oil and it does some some at start up. No smoke while running the boat. I am using Quicksilver premium.

[EuropeanAM]

First, I would recommend you run the Premium PLUS. It's a synthetic blend, with lower ash and parafin contents (providing less smoke).

Your EFI should run "at essentially" a 50:1 ratio. That would mean that for each 50 gallons of fuel you run, it should consume "approximately 1 gallon of oil".

[khart]

That's about what I'm using. I have noticed a small bit of build up on the prop.

I will be switching to Premium PLUS as soon as I can find it locally.

[C@TCH]

Hey Don, is it normal for a 2005 EFI to smoke a lot at idle. Especially if the motor was trimmed up while starting and when trimmed down starts smoking.

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by C@TCH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hey Don, is it normal for a 2005 EFI to smoke a lot at idle. Especially if the motor was trimmed up while starting and when trimmed down starts smoking.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, you may notice this. It should not, however, be the volume of smoke which would cause you to expect to see the fire department show up at any moment.

Switching to Premium "PLUS" may decrease this to some extent.

[C@TCH]

Thanks for the reply, yes it is a lot sometimes.......enough to make people on shore notice. Always use Premium Plus.
Is there adjustments for the amount of oil pumped into motor?

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by C@TCH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for the reply, yes it is a lot sometimes.......enough to make people on shore notice. Always use Premium Plus.
Is there adjustments for the amount of oil pumped into motor?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, there are adjustments. However, I would be inclined to expect that you may have another problem, such as a defective pulse fitting in the crankcase, faulty check valve for the oil supply line to the engine, faulty bleed line check valves, or a needle/seat issue in the VST (resulting in the VST flooding fuel into the intake).

This is likely something you're going to want to have some "hands-on expertise" to solve... unless you feel comfortable running through each of the possibilities "one-by-one" to rule out issues.

[C@TCH]

I don't mind trying some checks myself........ what can I check first.

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by C@TCH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I don't mind trying some checks myself........ what can I check first.</TD></TR></TABLE>

First: Have you had any difficulties recently with "low oil level" in the engine mounted oil tank? Does the oil level "drop" when the boat is left sitting for a few days?

Some "basic checks":

1. Utilizing a syringe, suck approximately 2 ounces of oil OUT of the engine mounted oil tank VIA THE CAP ON THE TANK. This will "lower" the level of the oil in the tank. Start the engine (on a flush attachment), and allow it to idle. Loosen the cap, and allow the tank to "fill" until it is completely full (no air present). Once oil begins to "spew" from the cap, snug the cap back down CAREFULLY, and wipe up any excess. ** This test will simply tell you that the pressure fitting in the crankcase is "supplying pressure to the system".

2. Run the engine on the water for at least 10 minutes (this test is most effective on the lake, rather than the flush attachment). Shut the engine down, and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. CAREFULLY open the fill cap on the BOAT tank. Listen carefully to see if you hear any "pressure escaping". IF you hear any substantial pressure escape, you MAY have an issue with the pressure check valve in the crankcase. It is designed with a "slight leak"... which allows the pressure to "slowly bleed off" after engine shutdown. If pressure does not bleed off, oil will be "forced" into the VST, causing excessively "rich" fuel mixture in the VST.

3. Test VST for flooding with engine level AND TILTED: Locate the "Vent" tube on top of the VST. Some engines- this tube runs directly to the intake manifold- others, it will run down to the cowling (I believe yours goes to the back of the intake). DISCONNECT the tube from the intake... and pump the primer bulb VERY firm with the engine "level". Monitor for fuel leaking from this tube. Repeat this test with the engine tilted up approximately 1/2 of it's travel. If you note leakage from the Vent Tube, you MAY have an issue with the VST Needle, or the float may be out of adjustment.

4. Leaks in fuel system: Obtain a fuel pressure gauge, and attach it to the port on top of the VST (at the pressure regulator). Turn the key on, and note the fuel pressure. Now turn the key "off"... and monitor the pressure for 60 seconds. Any substantial leakdown of pressure? (You SHOULD be able to hold fuel pressure with little or no leakdown for 60 seconds).

That should give you a couple to start with....

[C@TCH]

Thank's Don I will try these things at the lake this weekend and let you know. Is there any pics of the VST anywhere on here.

[EuropeanAM]

I don't believe so.... but if you email me with your serial number, I'll see what I can come up with for you.

[C@TCH]

Will do.......................your the best.

[EuropeanAM]

Thanks for getting me your serial number.

BTW.... your engine is a 2004 production year engine. There is NO ADJUSTMENT to the oil delivery system (PCM or Computer Controlled).