2002 Merc 4 stroke warnings?

[Ppopps]

Anyone know what alarms this motor has built in? If any, does it come from the shifter or the motor? Lastly, are these like the newer EFIs and do they log hours and errors on a computer that can be checked by a tech or are they not that sophisticated?

Thanks.

 

[Bigjohn1]

Re: 2002 Merc 4 stroke warnings?

What hp model?

In general, two alarms - Low oil pressure and low water pressure. One is a beeping alarm and one is steady tone alarm. There is no logging of hours and errors on the pre-L4NA four stroke models.

 

[Ppopps]

Re: 2002 Merc 4 stroke warnings?

Sorry, meant to point out that mine is a 90hp, 4-cyl, 3-carb (I think) model with Yamaha powerhead. Not sure what you mean by "pre-L4NA" but is mine?

 

[Don S]

Re: 2002 Merc 4 stroke warnings?

This is a C&P from the Merc Owners manual for your motor.

Warning System
1 The outboard warning system incorporates a warning horn inside
the boat. The warning horn may be located inside the remote
control (a) or under the dash (b) connected to the ignition
key switch.
WARNING SYSTEM OPERATION
If the engine overheats or the oil pressure drops too low, the warning
system will be activated. The warning horn will sound continuously
and engine speed will be limited to 3000 RPM.
WARNING SYSTEM ACTIVATED
2 If the warning system is activated, immediately reduce engine
speed to idle. Shift outboard into neutral and visually check for
a steady flow of water discharging from the water pump indicator
hole. If no water is flowing out, the water pump is not working and
the engine is overheating. See Engine Overheat explanation
on the next page.
If water is discharging from the water pump indicator hole, stop
engine and check the oil level. A low oil pressure problem may
exist. See Low Oil Pressure explanation on the next page.


Warning System
ENGINE OVERHEAT
Stop the engine. If no water is coming out of the water pump indicator
hole or flow is intermittent, check the cooling water intake holes
for obstruction. If no obstruction is found, there may be a blockage
in the cooling system or a water pump problem. Have your dealer
check the outboard. Operating an overheated engine will cause engine
damage. See the following note.
If a steady flow of water is coming out of the water pump indicator
hole and the engine continues to overheat, consult your dealer. Operating
an overheated engine will cause engine damage. See the
following note.
NOTE: Should overheating occur and you are stranded, stop the
engine and allow it to cool down this will usually allow some additional
low speed (idle) running time before the engine starts to overheat
again.

LOW OIL PRESSURE
The warning system will be activated if the oil pressure drops too
low. First, stop the engine and check the oil level. Add oil if necessary.
If the oil is at the recommended level and the warning horn continues
to sound, consult your dealer. Engine speed will be limited to
3000 RPM, however you should not continue to run engine.

 

[Bigjohn1]

Re: 2002 Merc 4 stroke warnings?

By ?pre-L4NA?, I am referring to the Yamaha power head models such as yours. The latest generation of these engines is 100% Mercury and is a Verado-based design with the factory designation of L4NA - they are the ones with cowels that look like lady?s hairdryers.

In case you don?t already know this, a word of advice about your current engine. Overall, it is reliable and very fuel efficient. It has many positive qualities and should give you trouble-free service provided a few precautions are taken. It needs to have a fuel additive used with it to ensure the carb passages don?t clog up ? it is a known quirk of this engine in certain climates (mostly cold ones). Also, if you lay the engine up for a long period of time due to non-use, drain the carb bowls instead of simply running Stabil through the system and leaving the residual fuel in the carbs. Some owners have reported finding little particulates in their bowls after using Stabil. Lastly, if you don?t already have one, install a 10 micron fuel/water separating filter and change the filter at some regular interval.

If it were my engine, the fuel additive of my choice would be Mercury?s Quikleen. I can?t confirm this personally but I have been told Yamaha Ring Free and Marvel Mystery Oil are somewhat similar and just as good. Supposedly, they are similar chemical compositions (mainly Naptha) but you can choose your own ?poison?. I am sold on Quikleen.

Good luck

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2002 Merc 4 stroke warnings?

L4NA is not a Mercury designation. It is a Boston Whaler designation for the new fourstroke engines that they install on their boats. Good advice to keep the fuel system super clean and in top shape on the older carb models...