1988 100 hp Merc carberated 4 cyl.

[JoeW]

I wanted to start a new thread for this question rather than extend the old one. <br /><br />Rodbolt,<br />

the only problems we ever had as a dealer and a tech with those years of merc/mariner 3 and 4 cyl oil injected other than the tank fill caps leak is the vinyl lines. change them every 3 years. if they are hard as a rock they WILL fail. I always recommended a fuel pump overhaul and the oil lines and the fuel/oil mixing check valve every 3 years or so. water pump and t-stats every other year. check or change the gear case oil 2 times a year minimum.

Questions: <br />By vinyl line, I assume you mean fuel line correct? I had it replaced last year.<br /><br />What's involved in a fuel pump overhaul? can I do it myself or would you recommend a pro do this? <br /><br />Same question for water pump and t-stats.<br /><br />What is a t-stat? <br /><br />I have had an oil leak on this motor for the last 3-4 years now. It's not a lot and doesn't seem to hurt anything other than the looks of the steering mechanism. It seems to be comming from inside the carberators. I assume it comes from the little nozzle where the oil is injected into the carb, but I'm not sure. Is this normal? Should I be worried about it and, if so, what can I do about it?<br /><br />Thanks for the help.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: 1988 100 hp Merc carberated 4 cyl.

If you store it with the trim too far up, the fuel will drain from the carbs and leave a residue that you may interpret as an oil leak. Also, there may be a gasket that is along the bottom of the air box cover that is supposed to keep the fuel from running out into the cowl area, although this may only be present on newer models. t-stat = thermostat.

 

[sprinkler]

Re: 1988 100 hp Merc carberated 4 cyl.

The lines on my 1988 100 hp are also covered with an oily film. I did start to worry a little about it last year. Sometimes a few drops collects in the boat where the engine mounts are. I thought I had a leak in a hose. Not sure, though.<br /><br />So it seems our engines are behaving similiarly. Either that, or you stole mine. I'm going to drive over to my storage locker to double check.

 

[JoeW]

Re: 1988 100 hp Merc carberated 4 cyl.

LOL at Sprinkler! It does look like I stole it now that it's on a Starcraft hull. It still has the Searay cowling on it.

 

[JoeW]

Re: 1988 100 hp Merc carberated 4 cyl.

Bump