08 250 Pro XS COIL PROBLEMS!!!

[nhsmallmouth]

I am wondering if these things have a shelf life. I have gone through 3 coils within 10 hrs of each other. The engine has 150 hrs on it. When I receive the new coil the plug cap is red instead of black is that a new supplier, I hope so. Is Merc doing anything to recall the old coils and last but not least has anyone had a failure with the red plug cap coils. Thanks Guy's

[EuropeanAM]

Can you provide me with the part number of the coils you've been receiving?

The "red caps" on plug wires are an older design plug wire....

[nhsmallmouth]

The part # is 339-879984A 1 . I have not had a problems with these coils I have only had failures with the original coils. Thanks for all your help you are a great asset to this site.

[EuropeanAM]

I would recommend checking all the connectors for the ignition coils (as well as the large "coil harness" connector at the top of the coil plate). Ensure that there are no signs of melting, and that all pins are "firmly" in place.

Also, I would recommend testing the VRS (also known as the CPS or Crankshaft Position Sensor) with an "Ohm Meter". Resistance should be AT LEAST 200 ohms.

[jettdog68]

I just had 2 go bad, my Tech had a older 06 model coil with the red boots, the 2 he ordered came today with red boots also. I took it out today and ran it for about a half hour and it ran great. I have 62 hours on my 08 250 proXS.

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jettdog68 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just had 2 go bad, my Tech had a older 06 model coil with the red boots, the 2 he ordered came today with red boots also. I took it out today and ran it for about a half hour and it ran great. I have 62 hours on my 08 250 proXS.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good deal! I honestly haven't had one of the "A1" coils here... I always order them in a "T00" suffix number (same coil without the plug wire).

[Bass Commander]

Is the part number the same for the XS motors?...

[nhsmallmouth]

Is it bad when you have to keep a spare coil with you when you are on the road fishing a T. I would think Merc would try to find the problem, it seems the 08 250 pro xs engines are the biggest problem. It's to the point now I just walk into my dealer and I throw him a coil and he throws me a new one. The Merc support trailer at the T's run out of the coils at an Elite T's. That should say something.

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RobShaw1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is the part number the same for the XS motors?...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, provided that your engine DOES NOT have "external mounted coil drivers" (module/drivers mounted on top of the ignition coils).

Mercury is aware of the problem, and is working with the vendor to resolve the issues. Although the failure rates are improving... it's "not a situation that can be fixed overnight" as the problem is "at the vendor level".

Knock on wood- I have yet to pull a 339-879984T00 off the shelf that failed.

[eagle777]

we all know merc is working on the problem...i am now waiting on my 2nd coil on a 08 250 pro that has less then 20hrs..coil 1...went fishin...coil 4...thats 2 ruined fishing trips and 4 days traveling back an forth to the dealership....not fun and i still get to wait for the other 4 to blow....merc wont authroize the dealership to change them all at once...so i will be speaking to them myself once i get the serial number....california does have a lemon law that includes boats.......jack

[Sterling]

My motor (08 225) is in the shop as we speak for the third coil in 20 hrs. I called Mercury to express my concerns and they have asked that the technician call them and they will assist in the diagnostics. They felt that after this process I should not have this problem. We will see. But if I do my dealer and I will have a long talk and I will not have a black motor on the back of my boat. I love it but it is frustrating to worry that every time you take it out you wonder if it is the trip where a coil is going to fail. They have offered to give me a coil to keep in the boat.

[eagle777]

i wont take the coil..yea so they are plug an go...thats not my problem..my problem is the 20k or so i spent on the motor...it works or it doesnt i am not going back an forth to the dealer (triton didnt make the motor) merc did....merc if u are reading this...i will get a 09 cause i aint puttin up with this..and i will be calling and emailing......jack

[EuropeanAM]

Jack and others interested:

I know you are frustrated- and yes, there are some coil issues.

The latest information I received is that there should be an updated coil available within a couple months (MAYBE less).

The issue with the current coil is a vendor issue. It's not always the "same" exact failure (though a failed coil fails either "open or shorted").

Mercury does not manufacture the coils, but they are working diligently to get the issues rectified.

Replacing "multiple" coils at the same time (when only one is currently failed)... is not only "costly"... it is unwise (because it's just as possible to have a "bad one" in the new batch... at least you know 5 of the coils on your engine currently are functioning).

[dandy82]

So is Merc gonna issue a recall???? Or are we gonna have to live with coils going down until all are replaced????

I want a recall, replace all the coils so I do not need to run my boat to the shop multiple times per year. I already had a coil go down in my 08 ProXS and had to live thru a mis diagnosis and several trips to the dealer....Time I could be on the lake.

No offence to Merc and I applaud European marine for the assistance, but if the new coil is released because of a faulty part, (and I don't care if it is a product not made by MERC, it is in their motor) then I expect the bad parts to ALL be replaced...not as they go bad.

I believe it is called customer service and customer satisfaction and frankly, if I have to endure the feeling that my engine will quit every time I hit the water and make multiple trips to the dealer, then this will be my last merc.

[eagle777]

eurpe...i have no doubt merc is working on the problem and i realize its a vendor supplied part as are most of all motor parts of all vechiles...my point is...either merc authorizes all coils to be replaced at one time....or i will figure out under CA lemon law how to get a new motor....i am not going back in forth to the dealer and mechanic for a known problem...i have been twice now...3rd time qualifies me to contact a attorney for the CA lemon law....and it will happen..3rd time that is.....jack

[EuropeanAM]

I will be sure to pass along information on the new/replacement coils when they become available.

In the meantime... I would recommend simply replacing any failed coil and fishing. I know that doesn't seem to be the answer you're looking for.... but any other route currently available is going to "keep you off the water for some time".

BTW... any of you having trouble getting coils in, should also consider the 89984T00 coil as an alternative- it's the same coil "without a plug wire on it".

Worst case- I've got a few of them on the shelf.

Sorry to hear of your problems... wish there was something more I could offer you!

[dandy82]

Want to make sure you understand any (my) frustration is not with European marine, you have been very helpful, but this seems to be an ongoing issue with the proXS and I'm not a mechanic and actually mechanically challenged...LOL

Maybe if Merc wanted to train me and pay me to repair my own under warranty engine I'd feel different..... But something tells me they won't and I'm betting if I start messing with coils as an uncertifed tech that my warranty could be considered in jepardy.

They have a problem. Mercury needs to step up, get the new part and replace all the coils. I don't believe I'm asking too much and when the new coil is introduced it is exactly what I will ask of mercury.

[eagle777]

hey europe, i respect your efforts to help and calm us down, but either way the bad coils are going to keep us off the water as well multiple trips to get them replaced. i realize its costly on merc to replace all 6 at one time...but so was the cash i paid to buy the dang thing.... i am one of the lucky ones as i can still pursue other avenues to get merc to wake up . while also being able to keep fishin...i have a 03 opti 225 sittin on on a 03 tr20....never had a problem with that one.....jack

[Eagle670]

If you could put your socks on your feet , you can change a coil ......

It was the fastest & most easy job i ever done on a 3.0L merc

[dandy82]

I don't wear socks.....And that may be, but I am not a tech and I do not want to jepordize my warranty.

But since its so easy, how do you recognize if it is a coil and which coil it is???