Did I Buy A Lemon 2001 40ELPTO MERC

[bhaley]

Hi i'am new here, looking for any help with recurrent problems.
I purchased a used 2001 40hp merc in 2005 had to replace lower housing the 1st year not a big deal (previous owner coveredcost). My problem in early 2006 was a cylinder sleeve slipped out which of course froze up the motor, this was an expensive repair, took to a mercury dealer. late in the year same problem but this time it was the other cylinder (so not under warranty). Dealer said theres not much more that could go wrong when they re sleeved they are done at even closer tolerances than at the factory, so I felt good about keeping the motor. Now 2007 just finished the break in period 15 gal of increased oil ratio, The engine froze up again I really think its the sleeve again we will find out soon. MY BIG QUESTION IS are mercurys known for this kind of problem?? or did I just get a lemon.

Thanks for any input
bhaley

 

[Tadd_P]

Re: Did I Buy A Lemon 2001 40ELPTO MERC

probably just a streak of bad luck with this one i am a true believer in mercs so good luck man

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Did I Buy A Lemon 2001 40ELPTO MERC

Each time the engine was worked on, were the carbs rebuilt? If not, they may have been the culprit all along. Lean carburetion causes engine seizure which can pull a sleeve loose. I chalk this up to bad wrenching.

 

[Chris Cole]

Re: Did I Buy A Lemon 2001 40ELPTO MERC

OOOOHHHHH........

I cringe when I hear the term slipped cylinder sleeve. I have a 2000 40hp merc ELO 3 cyl. I ran the mercury hot, and ended up having to rebuild the whole thing. Guess what the main problem was? Slipped sleeve on the top cylinder. I have about 20-30 hours post rebuild and haven't had any problems yet. If you have any specific question feel free to ask, my blood and sweat has to help someone out, It wasn't in vain.

 

[aweaver]

Re: Did I Buy A Lemon 2001 40ELPTO MERC

Have a 2001 40 ELPTO I got with the rings frozen, freed them and have been running w/o problem for 2 years, about 50 -60 hrs or so. Runs at 120 degrees measured at the head next to plug with IR thermometer.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Did I Buy A Lemon 2001 40ELPTO MERC

This is a fairly common problem with this motor(50 also) as the factory sleeves will slip if overheated. Every time I fix one I press on the other sleeves to make sure they havent backed off. After block cools I drill and pin them in place so they never slip or rotate. Make sure you replace the t-stat with correct one as this is a 120? not a 143? as they look the same.