Guys I am buying a Cape Horn offshore boat that has a pair of these 2002 2.5l carb'd motors and I am just looking for any insight to things I should do as preventive maintenance. I haven't had carb'd motors in a long time so I would appreciate any maintenance tips. I do plan on decarbing it right away and running quick clean and premium oil.The owner says sometimes they are a little stubborn to start when they are cold but I am not certain he knows how to operate the choke correctly.
Solid motors.... they do, however, prefer to be started (and idled) with the trim in the LEVEL position.
Get in the habit of pumping the primer bulb(s) FIRM before EVERY SINGLE engine start.
The following post was written for Optimax Models. However, most everything applies to these as well (except for perhaps references to the air compressor, compressor filter/strainer, and belt):
http://www.bbcboards.net/mercury-3-l...x-engines.html
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
Well I sea trialed the boat today and I gotta say for 10 year old carb motors they ran really well. This boat is a 25' Cape Horn and its a tank, they pushed her to 48.8 mph WOT at 5800 RPMS, and that was with 135 gallons of fuel, 40 gallons of fresh water and 2 guys. I was even able to get the boat on plane on one engine if I had the owner go to the bow, and she ran 20 mph on one engine.They arent the quietest, and they are a little clunky going into gear, but they idle smoothly and flat throw this big old center console on plain in a couple seconds. I am really leary about these 10 year old engines, how long can one expect them to last if properly taken care of? I dont know hours but they are super clean inside and out.
When going in forward or reverse, put them into gear quickly & solidly NOT slow and easy like (they just don't like it that way). Very good engines -solid. Like Don said, starting them and idling them LEVEL makes a big difference.
Gambler 2200 / PRoCraft 180 / Roughneck Jet / Mercury 250XB, 175 / Evinrude 50
Since you brought up the trim, neither of the trim gauges work, I looked for sensors on the motors but didnt see any. Any tips on what to look for. Its not a big deal but it made me curious since they both dont work.
Trim senders SHOULD be located on the PORT side of the swivel bracket. You would need to TILT the engine all the way up.... trim sender attaches with TWO screws.
A brown w/white stripe wire from the sensor travels up into the lower cowling (Starboard Side), and then connects to the engine harness (then through the ignition switch harness and up to the trim gauges).
Properly maintained (including oil line inspection), run on good fuel and appropriate oil, these engines should be quite dependable for you.
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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