1999 125HP Mercury outboard

[wlewis]

I have a 1999 Robalo with 1999 125 hp Mercury outboard. What is the max speed and max RPM? Have a problem when full throttle, max speed only 20 mph and 30 RPM. Boat purchased used in mint condition, but had been stationary for about 3 years. Engine was serviced and cleared by Dealer. Please advise as to what could be possible problem.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 1999 125HP Mercury outboard

Your max speed will vary depending upon the weight of your individual craft and how much you carry.

With your AVERAGE load, gear, # persons, fuel, your tach (if accurate) should read right in the area 5200 - 5500 at WOT.

Once you get the engine performance verified then you can address any possible changes to boat set up that may effect speed.

 

[wlewis]

Re: 1999 125HP Mercury outboard

Thanks for the info. I am a new owner but have enjoyed fishing all my life. Not sure if my question was too vague, as when I read these posts, the knowledge transfer is intimidating. I submitted another post the has the specs for the motor.

You mentioned the load capacity effecting the max speed, well the fuel capacity for the boat is 54 gallons, and it was/is "full". Think this may contribute??

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 1999 125HP Mercury outboard

Large fuel tanks add a measureable amount of weight, WOT RPM and boat speed will improve as the fuel level drops due to the reduced weight of the craft.

When you say 30 RPM are you meaning 3000 at WOT? That would be way to low, verify RPM with another tach, clamp on inductive tester, verify speed with handheld GPS, on board speedos are terribly inaccurate.

Momentarily 'bump' the choke' while running WOT to see if RPM improves, also have a helper 'pump' the primer bulb while running WOT to see if any improvement.

Test ignition spark and compression to verify mechanical health of your motor.

Repost results and findings.

 

[wlewis]

Re: 1999 125HP Mercury outboard

Spoke to the service tech. Asked that I bring it in for service on carburator. Says a 2 stroke engine that has been stationary for the substantial time as this one has may not be mixing the oil and gas properly and could cause severe engine damage if I try to keep testing with WOT. Oh and I did mean 3000 RPM.

 

[wlewis]

Re: 1999 125HP Mercury outboard

Also speed was verfied with a hand held GPS, as the speedometer is not working even though they cleaned the cable. Said the speedometer may be shot

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: 1999 125HP Mercury outboard

Spoke to the service tech. Asked that I bring it in for service on carburator. Says a 2 stroke engine that has been stationary for the substantial time as this one has may not be mixing the oil and gas properly and could cause severe engine damage if I try to keep testing with WOT. Oh and I did mean 3000 RPM.

This is true and could very well be your problem.

 

[wlewis]

Re: Service on 1999 125HP Mercury outboard (advice or opinion)

Re: Service on 1999 125HP Mercury outboard (advice or opinion)

OK guys, I took my boat back in for service on the engine as requested by the service tech. This was done on 10/27/08. I stopped by the shop on 11/04/08 to check status because I had not received a call about the work that was to be performed. Said it was not ready yet. Is this normal for a shop to not contact the customer until all work is performed or problem diagnosed and needs approval to fix? As stated earlier I am a newbie, and during my first trip out noticed problem with engine not running smoothly. Wanting to make sure proper maintenance would be performed, I took it to the same shop to be checked . Below are items that were on the invoice:

Work Performed:

Check Engine
Water pump Job
Change L/U grease
Repair sppedo & fuel gauge
Compression #1-140, #2-145, #3-145, #4-145

Labor
check engine
check compression
check ignition
check for pumping
check syn & linkage
check shift
check fuel
water pump job 160.00
remove & reinstall lower unit
change drive grease
repair speedometer - clean tube (still does not work) 80.00
check fuel guage/replace fuel sender 80.00
start up & Test

Parts
Impeller 24.50
Fuel sender 25.99
L/U grease (outboard 71-125hp) 34.99

Needless to say the bill was around 360.00, which is ok, because I would rather pay to get it right that have it break down during a trip

On my second trip out, after the maintenance/repair work, noticed the same problem with motor, and posted the problem in this thread. I also posted the comment from the service tech after I told him I was experiencing the same problem, which is the post referencing the carburator. So that is what is being analyzed now.

I have been reading alot of posts on this forum and come to realize that you guys are extremely knowledgable and give excellent advice. I read one post that mentioned fuel contamination. When I purchased the boat, it had been stationary for about 3 years. It was sheltered, covered and in immaculate condition. I added only 6 gallons of fuel to a 54 gal tank when filling up. Could the fuel that was in the tank be contaminated? Does it take a week or more to diagnose this type problem (fuel system)?

Someone on the forum suggested I purchase a manual, which I did. I am not mechanically inclined, however I can follow instructions. I have been reading about maintenance and the fuel system specs for my motor while waiting for a call from the shop.

I just want to know, Am I getting the runaround or do I need to be patient. I value and respect your advice and/or opinion.

 

[wlewis]

Re: Service on 1999 125HP Mercury outboard (advice/opinion)

Re: Service on 1999 125HP Mercury outboard (advice/opinion)

Hey gurus, any responses???

 

[trayscool]

Re: 1999 125HP Mercury outboard

It sounds to me like you may have some gumming up in your carbs. You can search and find out how to clean the carbs out or you may want to have them rebuilt. You have a strong motor based on your compression tests so im pretty sure your carbs or ignition problem

 

[wlewis]

Re: 1999 125HP Mercury outboard

Thanks for the reply. The motor has been in the shop for 10 days now and I just wanted to know if it takes this long to repair this type of problem. I know I am at their mercy .

 

[trayscool]

Re: 1999 125HP Mercury outboard

It normally should not take them this long to at least give you an update. they may be really busy or just have your stuff on the back burner. I would call over there and see whats up and if they havent looked at it yet take it to another shop