Water Pressure Questions

[Baja 252]

I usually have 3 lbs of WP at idle and 18+ at higher speeds on my 200 pro xs (Smartcraft). A couple of weeks ago I noticed a small piece of wood coming out of the water intakes on the nose of the gearcase. I pulled it out and it felt like it came out in one piece. I looked in the passageway and saw no other debris. WP is still 3 at idle and 18+ at speed.

Should the poppet valves be checked for debris? Is this something I could do or is it better left to a Mercury tech? I looked in the pinned posts, but I didn't see a procedure for this.

Also sometimes when I come off a plane my WP drops to around .8 for 20-30 seconds then slowly recovers to the normal 3 lbs I have at idle. Sometimes it takes up to a minute to back to 3lbs. That seems strange to me because when I first put the boat in the water and start it, the WP jumps up to 3lbs in just a few seconds.

[EuropeanAM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Baja 252 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Also sometimes when I come off a plane my WP drops to around .8 for 20-30 seconds then slowly recovers to the normal 3 lbs I have at idle. Sometimes it takes up to a minute to back to 3lbs. That seems strange to me because when I first put the boat in the water and start it, the WP jumps up to 3lbs in just a few seconds. </td></tr></table>

Based on the quote above, removal of (and inspection of) the poppet valve is in order.

This is likely NOT a debris problem, but rather a STICKING poppet valve. The poppet valve must be able to move FREELY in and out of it's grommet/seat. If it's binding or sticking, it has a hard time re-seating after you come off plane (to idle speed). This can cause an extended water pressure "recovery" time, just as you've described.

IF the problem is not debris, it would be covered under warranty.

Removal of the poppet is quite simple.... remove the right side lower cowling (four bolts), disconnect the cowl-mounted trim switch.

Poppet valve is located in the adapter plate (down below the PCM or computer), and is retained by two bolts (13mm socket required to remove them).

Replacement parts for the poppet are very inexpensive.... if trying this yourself, I'd recomment you have a new poppet, spring, two gaskets, grommet and diaphram on hand to install.

[Baja 252]

Thanks Don, I'll call Rhonda on Monday to order parts.