I had a cylinder go down on my 2003 250XS with 359 hrs. If I have it rebuilt, by a Merc. Master Tech, would it be likely to have happen again? I have heard those motors did not hold together very well.
I had a cylinder go down on my 2003 250XS with 359 hrs. If I have it rebuilt, by a Merc. Master Tech, would it be likely to have happen again? I have heard those motors did not hold together very well.
If done CORRECTLY.... it should be perfectly dependable.
Just out of curiousity.... WHICH cylinder went down?
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Sorry about your motor. Was this "cold seize" related? If you dont mind could you tell me the circumstances when it went? Water temp? air? speed? ahow long after take off? Was it warmed up? Thanks. I am trying to prevent this from happening again to me. Thanks for any and all info you have.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bloodman »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Sorry about your motor. Was this "cold seize" related? If you dont mind could you tell me the circumstances when it went? Water temp? air? speed? ahow long after take off? Was it warmed up? Thanks. I am trying to prevent this from happening again to me. Thanks for any and all info you have.
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+1 on the above.
That is indeed #6. I'd be thinking back to your "warmup" of the engine on that outing.... whether you watched a Smartcraft Instrument to ensure the engine reached AT LEAST 120 degrees.
Also, good idea to check the THERMOSTATS for debris lodged in them, and holding them open (which will PREVENT the engine from warming up).
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
The air temp was in the 60's and the water temp was around 56-58. I unloaded and warmed the motor till the thermostat opened and cooled and was coming back up. I then drove over and fished a spot for about 30 to 45 min. I then started up and idled out of the cove for a ways. It took me about 4 to 5 min. to get out to where I could take off and get up on plane. I slowly(did not stomp on it) got up on plane and then drove about a quarter to a half mile up lake. I was running about 50 mph when the motor went down.
Thanks for the clarification.
Not a bad idea to check the t-stats.... occasionally, through unforseen "underwater debris", you'll end up picking something up during a run that lodges in a thermostat.
Then, after your next startup (and despite any efforts to warm up the engine properly), the water temp is simply too low to allow for "controlled expansion". Don't see this alot.... but in early spring and late fall (when water temps are low), it does tend to occur from time to time.
BTW.... do you have a Smartcraft Instrument? If not..... a VERY wise investment.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
I do have a smartcraft and I do watch it. Also, would it take that long for a cylinder to go down on a cold seize? I drove for a ways before she went down.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by J Priest »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I do have a smartcraft and I do watch it. Also, would it take that long for a cylinder to go down on a cold seize? I drove for a ways before she went down. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Depends on the "extent" of the damage that occurred "during" the cold seizure (this varies drastically).
The operator is often unaware of what has occurred until some time later when the engine begins to lose power (or starts making strange noises). Often, pieces of the aluminum piston become lodged in the cylinder walls, starting a "heat transfer" process that slowly gaulds the piston a little bit on each stroke.
I've seen them run for several hours before problems became obvious to "the untrained ear".
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Thanks Don. Also I had an injector that was bad and a new one put on that cylinder. Would that have anything to do with what happened. The injector that was replaced was not working due to carbon problems.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by J Priest »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks Don. Also I had an injector that was bad and a new one put on that cylinder. Would that have anything to do with what happened. The injector that was replaced was not working due to carbon problems. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Absolutely. Lean running conditions (such as from an inoperable injector) can also lead to cylinder failures.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
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