New 200 ProXs Help

[Gitzet]

I have a new 200HP ProXS on the back of my new Ranger.

I went through the ‘break-in’ period very carefully. Yesterday, I started the day with 5 hours on the ‘smart gauge’. At the start of my tournament, I ran about 15-20 minutes to get to my spot. Engine was running well over 5000 rpm and I was moving pretty good - No problems.

Right before I got to my spot, I started to raise my jackplate just a bit (no more than an inch or so) – I was headed into shallow water. All was good until I slowed down to about 25-30mph (just guessing) when the alarm went off (constant noise). I immediately shut it down. Waited a minute then started it back up – no alarm. When I stepped on the hot-foot to accelerate, the noise retuned. When I took my foot off the pedal, the alarm stopped.

I did not really think to study the smart gauge but I did see the ‘engine’ indicator on the Smart Gauge display.

I decided to fish for a while. After about 30-35 minutes, I started the motor and all was well for the rest of the today. No problems at all. Honestly, because of the alarm, I did not run the boat at WOT, but I did not baby the engine either.

Should I have this checked out?
If I take it in to a certified service shop, will the ‘look see’ be covered by my warranty?

198VX Ranger
200 ProXS
8” Atlas Jackplate
25p Tempest
Mostly full tanks of gas
2 guys.
Lot’s of tackle

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

[wanabepro]

Depends on your relationship with the dealer and/or if they find something wrong. In most cases if something is wrong and covered under warranty then it would be free. If nothing is wrong and it took time to find that out I would think that the dealer should be paid something considering they have bills to pay.

I would say tak ethe boat out and run it again-if it happens take it to the dealer.

[EuropeanAM]

I would recommend that you get it in and have the "Freeze Frame (FAULT) History" read (from the PCM or Computer). Good idea to request a printout for future reference.

The Freeze Frame Buffers (what's being read) should indicate the fault that occurred.

Note: If Neutral Overspeed is the only noted fault.... the shift cable COULD be too tight at the anchor point. Nut should be tightened down "snug", and then backed off approximately 1/2 turn (allowing the plastic washer to rotate freely). Overtightening can result in damage to (or false activation of) the shift position switch (making the PCM think the engine is in neutral, hence the warning horn at times when you attempt to accelerate).

[Gitzet]

Guys,

I decided to have the motor looked at. I'd rather have it checked than chance being stranded. Although it's covered by warranty, I have no desire to have this motor in the shop for a major repair. Better safe than sorry!

I have an appointment with a certifed Mercury service shop to have it checked out.

I'll let you know what they say.

Thanks for the info.

[Gitzet]

Update!

I had the motor checked out and evaluated. The alarm that went off was the 'temperature alarm', not the 'engine alarm'. Next time, I guess I need to take a closer look at the smart gauge symbols - Lesson Learned.

They ran the diagnostics. They told me that it looked like I got the jackplate too high and the the motor got hot . I found it interesting that the mechanic pretty much told me what I did before he heard my full story.

All is well. Motor checked out fine. They also took a look at the water pressure to make sure the water pump was OK.

I'm back in business with peace of mind.

Thanks for your advice

Since this is my first boat with a hydraulic jackplate, now all I gotta do is find a post that will help me better understand how to use the dang thing.

** Never to old to learn something new and never to proud to admit I don't know **

Thanks again.

[EuropeanAM]

To monitor your jackplate properly, you need to set your Smartcraft Instrument to read "water pressure".

At wide open throttle, you want to be at 18 psi or higher of water pressure. If pressure drops BELOW 18 psi, you're probably too high.

(For the record, 15 psi is the MINIMUM SPEC. We use 18 psi as a "safe spec" to account for rough water and allow for some "margin" in turns).

[Gitzet]

I'll check it out - thanks much.............