Thread: Cold Seizure

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  1. #1
    Member 06 SB's Avatar
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    Cold Seizure

    I know it was a big deal with 2 strokes but is it a threat on 4 strokes? I fished Lake Wedowee this past Saturday and there was a large ABA tournament going on. Water temp was 52ish and OAT below that. I have never witnessed so many boats putting the hammer down within 10-15 seconds of starting. Most were Mercurys but a bunch of SHOs as well. I cringed every time. I still let mine warm up as it is a habit and I believe a “best practice” for longevity of the motor.
    Last edited by 06 SB; 01-23-2023 at 10:40 AM.

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  2. Member fishnfireman's Avatar
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    #2
    I would think, we would be hearing about it. IF it was as big an issue with the 4 stoke as it was the latter 2 strokes-
    After cold seizing a 3.2ltr two stroke I'm in the habit of warming my 4 stroke.

  3. Sheepdog mike464's Avatar
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    #3
    The first year they ran the SHOs, there was a big, unexpectedly cold, tournament in Texas, I remember them reporting several blown SHOs during it. Up here in Montana you better warm your motor up!

  4. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #4
    Though not QUITE as common in 4-strokes due to the solid cylinder liner (it lacks ports/openings), it is still entirely possible to cold-seize a 4-stroke engine.


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  5. Member
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    #5
    Question for Don, what temp should the motor be at when throttling up? On my Opti it’s 143 when the T-stats open. What is it on the four strokes? Thanks.

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    #6
    i always warm up and cool down engine never just start and go or shut down and go either
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    #7
    Always let my Opti Pro XS warm up before trying to get on plane.

  8. Member bloodman's Avatar
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    #8
    I always thought it was that burst of cold water into the engine when the thermostat opened. Always accelerate when the thermostat is closed.

  9. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #9
    A good general rule of thumb is a minimum of 120 degrees F. If you don't get there... don't accelerate over 1500 RPM's.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
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