Re: Mercury 90 ELPTO
Mine's an '02 version. Agree the big bore makes for a rougher idle than I had with my 6 cyl tower of power.....talk about a sewing machine. Mine sits up for awhile between runnings and on first startup it's thirsty. But once you run it for the day, it starts before you can get your finger off the key and in tight turns, where I can get the prop to vent some, it will turn 6000 without blinking.
I bought it used 5 years ago and replaced plugs once, replaced a stuck closed stat (bad when I bought it), and had one power pak go out (thermal problem....only failed when engine was cold....tough little sucker to catch but I did).
Previous owner said he replaced the impeller. At idle it will shoot pee at least 1" deep into the water. I run in clean water and turn the engine over at least once per week when not in use so I'm not worried about the impeller.
I change the LU oil annually and keep Sea Foam in the fuel.
One thing it does do. At idle rpm's in F with my SS 24P XL Ballistic prop (heavy and lots of pitch) I get clutch dog rattle. Don't get it with lighter weight props with less pitch. It's primarily a nuisance when driving onto the trailer but I get by it by shifting back and forth between F and N. I could put the little pukey props on and not have it, but I like the performance with the 24P and loading on the trailer is a very small part of the outing. Obviously the 3 big bore cylinders are causing this but what the heck.
Mark
