Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

Conquester

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Sep 23, 2003
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Ok all, I am having some major trouble here. Just 2 months ago my port engine oil injection failed and blew that engine. 20 hours of use after I get the boat back the starboard engine oil alarm went off and that engine broke a ring in the #2 piston. What is up with these engines? These are complete junk?????<br /><br />Lucky I have extended warranties and I am getting new powerheads, but I have only had this boat for 1 year and they are making me very leary. The mechanics have all said these engines had very low hours on them because when broken down they looked very good, very low wear. <br /><br />I am contemplating disconnecting the oil injection when I get them back and going to pre-mix, but how reliable will they still be? The ring problem really scares me.<br /><br />Conquester
 

Hasbeen

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Aug 29, 2003
Messages
167
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

I recently posted asking if I should disconnect my oil injection on my 87 Merc 150! Most said to check it all out and leave it alone, There were others that said to go to premix and not have to worry about the oil injection! Ive about made up my mind to take it off and go to premix because of this problem! The warning buzzers only tell you that your motor just blew up! I think these engines are tough enough, but not without oil! Im going to use Amsoil synthertic 2 cycle at 100 : 1!! Ive used this in the past and it is awesome stuff! Burns clean, not much smoke and never fowls plugs!<br /><br />Hasbeen
 

clanton

Rear Admiral
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Jul 9, 2001
Messages
4,876
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

Why did the oil pump stop pumping oil? Did the new powerhead have the steel oil pump drive gear?
 

The Marine Doctor

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Jul 25, 2003
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2,177
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

I would not think the problem you have is related to the actual oil injection parts. ie..the pump itself. I would look for something common between the two engines...Poor PDI perhaps. Pre Deliver Inspection. Do not be so quick to write the engines off. They are as reliable as the amount of effort put into them.<br /><br />TMD
 

CU2NITE

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Messages
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Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

Hasbeen,<br />I agree with you on the pre-mix issue, but if you do pre-mix you better mix 50-1. Your motor runs(with the oil injection) 100-1 at idle and 50-1 at full throttle. When you pre-mix your going to need 50-1 all the time. Good luck.<br />CU<br /><br />-------------------<br />RUNNING THE MOTOR WHILE LISTENING TO THE HORN WILL MAKE YOU MORN!!
 

Conquester

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Sep 23, 2003
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Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

These engines are 1999 model engines, though the previous owner of the boat did not use it very much which is why he sold it. I have had the boat a year and a half now.<br /><br />Both engines have failed, not the same one. The gear that drives the oil pump is not metal, but plastic.<br /><br />Premixing is the way to go because I have no trust in the OI, but can I still trust them? Any other Achilles heels to these motors? <br /><br />Conquester
 

Conquester

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Sep 23, 2003
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Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

Oh, both engines failed because of the oil pump gear stripping out. Like it was posted above, the constant beeping alarm is to indicate that your motor is toast.<br /><br />Conquester
 

The Marine Doctor

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2,177
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

In your initial post you did not say the plastic gear was at fault.<br /><br />If you have a history of this happening...definately switch to premix. It sounds like the plastic gear has some kind if issue with your fuel. Possibly making it brittle.<br /><br />TMD
 

clanton

Rear Admiral
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Jul 9, 2001
Messages
4,876
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

If the new powerheads did not have the steel drive gear for the oil pump (not sure about this), I would remove the pump and premix. When you remove the oil pump there is a kit from Merc to fill the hole about 10.00. I would also have the injectors flow tested. Look at www.screamandfly.com for more information this engine.
 

Hasbeen

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Aug 29, 2003
Messages
167
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

cu2nite<br /><br />Nope, sorry, Amsoils premix is formulated to run at 100:1! I know that it sounds scary but beleive me it works just fine! Ive used it for years and have never been happier! Very little smoking, no sparkplug fouling and very smooth running! You are however correct in your analysis if I were using just any old 2 cycle oil!
 

jim dozier

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jan 8, 2003
Messages
1,970
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

I have read on these forums that OMC flirted with 100:1 ratio but discontinued it not because of running damage but due to sitting damage. Not enough oil was left in the cylinders after running. Corrosion occurred sitting in the driveway/marina. Just a thought. I am not up on the specifics of oil injection in the Mercury. My Suzuki injects the oil into the reed plate dependent on rpm and throttle position. One benefit would be that a cylinder with clogged carb jet/injectior, while leaning out the fuel mixture would still get its lubrication. Something to think about with premix, clogged jet/injector=no oil :(
 

Hasbeen

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Aug 29, 2003
Messages
167
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

Not a problem with amsoil, that is figured in also!<br /><br />Hasbeen<br /><br />Am I a Dealer, No Not yet!!
 

CU2NITE

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jul 9, 2003
Messages
226
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

Hasbeen,<br />WoW never heard of an 2 cycle oil that worked 100-1 as well as 50-1. That scares me and my outboard. Has anyone else heard of this oil?<br />CU<br /><br />-------------------<br />RUNNING THE MOTOR WHILE LISTENING TO THE HORN WILL MAKE YOU MORN!!
 

ronmold

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2003
Messages
240
Re: Merc 150 EFI troubles - major

Yes, Amsoil 100:1. Dealer said you could run 80:1 if 100:1 was too scary. I run Amsoil 2000 racing oil at 50:1 in my old V6. Doesn't smell as bad as reg. petroleum 2 stroke oil.
 
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