1999 Mercury 200 XL EFI does lower unit need rebuilt?

[ziggy101]

I recently purchased this motor on a boat. I took it out for brief test drive and had no shifting issues, or other that I knew of. Took it to a local marina to have the motor checked out. They supposedly saw oil leaking out of the lower unit, pressure tested it and said seals were bad, and should replace oil pump. they tore it apart and say $750 for that work. also said there is some where on the forward gear teeth as I understood (has square teeth about 1/4" high). These teeth are slightly rounded on the edge, they have a radius on them from wear of about 1/16". They are saying they can't guarantee how long it will work. they say rebuilding will cost almost as much as a new unit around $2200. Is this little bit of wear an issue?

 

[Chris1956]

SEI will sell you a new gearcase for about that price. However, I suspect your mechanic is making up stories, as gearcases do not have "oil pumps".

 

[Chris1956]

In addition, I doubt they took any part of the gearcase apart, because that is most of the work necessary to replace the seals. They could have simply spent another minute to replace the seals.

 

[wired247]

The SEI lowers are about $800 with a 3 year absolute guarantee even if you run it up on the rocks. .

There is no oil pump down there .

 

[ziggy101]

my mistake, I meant water pump. I went to the dealer and saw, at least what they said were the parts.

 

[ziggy101]

wired, do you have experience with the SEI, I have been do some investigation and some say they are good, others report problems?

 

[Fun Times]

Any experience with the SEI, I have been do some investigation and some say they are good, others report problems?

If you're a do it yourselfer, SEI is beneficial cost wise should you have or not have any warranty repair work needed by SEI.

If you are the type of person that normally drops it off at a dealer expecting warranty to cover the "complete bill", says call me when it's done and you are in a hurry to get it back, then SEI might not be the best choice for you.

SEI would rather you send the unit back then have someone local repair it. If it's at a dealer, they will not cover the labor to R & R the unit/s, get the unit/s ready for shipping, time spent on the phone working out the detail with them. And I don't believe they cover the oil or gaskets needed to put back in/on when done.

While it costs more upfront, Mercury would cover all of the small details either at a Merc dealer or a non merc dealer should you/they submit a bill still within warranty that's all done in a timely manner on Merc's side of business.

Merc's warranty isn't as long as SEI's warranty unless you purchase an extended warranty.

So it's a give and take on whatever one you choose to fit your preference/lifestyle.

 

[Faztbullet]

do you have experience with the SEI, I have been do some investigation and some say they are good, others report problems?

I sold 19 units last year and 11 this year and had only one that had a problem and it was on a 3.0liter 225

 

[wired247]

wired, do you have experience with the SEI, I have been do some investigation and some say they are good, others report problems?

Ive used several in 2.5 and 3.0 . Only had a problem with one surfacing the prop at high RPM and the prop shaft broke, To their defense they arent made for that and I was going outside of the design parameters. . The SEI lowers are made for purposes like you are using them for. I sent it back and they replaced the shaft and returned it to me and even bought me a new prop. R&R ing a lower is the last of my worries. 7 bolts and its out and in. For a non high perf motor I wouldnt hesitate buying an SEI lower.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, now it sounds like they want to charge him $750 for a waterpump rebuild. Even with a new pump base and cover and all other parts, it should not be near that price.

 

[Dukedog]

mighta replaced seals also, maybe? if so might be alittle pricey but not much.....

that's called a non-ratchting gear case. its normal for tha "square" dogs ta ware that way, especially if po was prown ta ease it in ta gear instead of usin' his "man card" with it.........jmo