1997 150 hp Mercury OB

[Bob1944]

We purchased the above engine on a boat from a dealer. The boat and engine had never been in the water. We found after a short use that something was wrong with the oil pump. So the dealer took the same engine from another boat and put it on our boat and the same thing happened. The oil pump was bad. So he is getting the parts and will intall them this week.

My question becuase two engines that are the same had the same problem: Is this year and hp Mercury going to have an ongoing problem with the oil pump going out on a regular basis?

Both engines were setting around for lo these past 13 years.

bob

 

[Robot1947]

Re: 1997 150 hp Mercury OB

The plastic oil gear that is fitted around the crankshaft may be stripped.

This is a common problem with Mercury V-6 outboards thru 2005.

The oil pump drive shaft gets stuck and the plastic gear strips.

Both engines can be repaired without disassembly with Marine Solutions Electronic Oil Injection kit.

Check out www.marinesolutionswi.com.

 

[Bob1944]

Re: 1997 150 hp Mercury OB

that is super information. I was afraid that might be the problem but this is a great solution for long term usage.

bob

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1997 150 hp Mercury OB

The plastic oil gear that is fitted around the crankshaft may be stripped.

This is a common problem with Mercury V-6 outboards thru 2005.

The oil pump drive shaft gets stuck and the plastic gear strips.

Both engines can be repaired without disassembly with Marine Solutions Electronic Oil Injection kit.

Check out www.marinesolutionswi.com.

No it's not a common problem for Mercs. It is a common problem for a motor that wasn't properly serviced after 13 years of sitting... I'd get my money back. The guy you're buying from hasn't a clue or is blowin smoke up .... when it comes to these engines.

 

[Bob1944]

Re: 1997 150 hp Mercury OB

That aside; once the gear is replaced then it is not likely to go bad again as long is the engine is properly winterized?

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1997 150 hp Mercury OB

That aside; once the gear is replaced then it is not likely to go bad again as long is the engine is properly winterized?

You do realize that replacing the gear is a near complete powerhead teardown.


Even if the gear didn't fail and the pump is bad or the oil tank is plugged. If it wasn't getting oil and it was run at all it has likely scuffed pistons and hammered bearings and journals. Rarely would you be lucky enough to escape that.

I'm not trying to be an alarmist in saying what I'm saying. I'm just trying to make you aware of the potential for future problems and hopefully save you from throwing money down the drain.

Trust me Bob1944, walk away from these motors. If the boat is that nice then buy it without the motor or offer him 500.00 for the motor because it could cost 2500.00 to fix this one correctly.

 

[Bob1944]

Re: 1997 150 hp Mercury OB

OK, thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

bb

 

[j_martin]

Re: 1997 150 hp Mercury OB

Normal startup on a Merc V6 that has been sitting for more than a few months involves removing and checking the oil pump, mostly to be sure it isn't stuck in the bushing. At that time the drive gear is inspected.

These oil pumps are very reliable normally, and seasonal layovers don't seem to bother them much, but long ones do.

hope it helps
John

 

[j_martin]

Re: 1997 150 hp Mercury OB

Thought just crossed my mind. The drive gear is normally destroyed by overheat. A water pump that's been sitting for years without turning will not pump reliably. If the engine ran a couple of minutes before the oil alarm went off, it probably grossly overheated. In that case, it also is probably toast.

my 02
John

 

[Bob1944]

Re: 1997 150 hp Mercury OB

It did run at idle in the lake for 10 or 15 minutes. When I throttled up the alarm went off. the pea port continued to squirt water the entire time.

I was in the shop on Monday and both the engines were torn down while the dealer awaited new parts. I will go back on Saturday and express my concerns about the jugs, bearings, water pump etc.

It ran fine in the test tank when I purchased it and the dealer showed me all the things to watch for including the oil and overheating alarm. Just the oil alarm went off out on the lake.

What questions should I put to this dealer? I am concerned now about the rings and cylinder walls and bearings.

Any more info would be appreciated.