Merc 4 Strk Oil Circulation

[tee-boy]

Has anyone heard that you can't run a 4 stroke in the tilted position? The problem is that the oil won't circulate properly. My Merc dealer told me this.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Merc 4 Strk Oil Circulation

Why would you want to run the motor in the tilted position? Oil circulation is only the beginning. If the gearcase isn't in the water, you're going to burn up the water pump. The carbs or VST are going to be at an angle that aren't going to allow for decent running. I mean it's not like an airplane motor that has to be able to run in any position. The water is below you. So the motor has to be down.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Merc 4 Strk Oil Circulation

Are saying jus tilted slightly for shallow running and obstructuion clearence in the water or literaly tilted out of the water prop exposed? Shallow tilt angles for obstruction or shallow running are ok as long as the water inlets are below water and your "easy" on the throttle.(That means slow...)

 

[rschnack]

Re: Merc 4 Strk Oil Circulation

When I bought my 50 hp four stroke I was told the same thing. The Merc rep told me it was not too much of a problem in the Great Lakes where I fish because we don't run so often with the motor tilted up for shallow running. Apparently in Florida on "flats boats" that run in the shallows often direct injection 2 stroke outboards are preferable to prevent problems. If I remember correctly, they are not worried as much about the oil pickup running dry as the oil in the crank case interferring with moving parts as it is displaced forward. <br />RCS

 

[tee-boy]

Re: Merc 4 Strk Oil Circulation

I forgot that I posted this one. Yes, I am referring to shallow water running (something quite common on the gulf coast). I'm sure many folks have had to raise the motor slightly from vertical to get off of some shallow obstruction.

 

[rschnack]

Re: Merc 4 Strk Oil Circulation

Be careful! I was reading my owner's manual last night and it discussed running in shallows. Be sure you stay under 2000 rpm or the motor will automatically tilt back down to normal position. That could be expensive!<br />RCS