spark plug question

[beetlespin]

I changed the plugs on my 250XS this morning. Both of the bottom plugs had water droplets on them. Does that mean anything? I have never thought this motor was as powerful as it should be. Neither plug has buildup but the moisture seemed odd?

Lance

 

[jbh3]

Think I would get that baby to a good Opti tech. Do NOT believe water in the cylinder(s) is a good thing on any kind of engine.

 

[stratos21xl]

I agree, the only time I have seen that was on an Evinrude I had on an old Bullet that ended up having a tiny hairline crack in the block. I came across it when I was doing the same thing as you, changing spark plugs and both the bottom 2 plugs had water drops on them. Might not be anything at all on your Merc because they are built totally different but I would certainly have someone look at it and tell me one way or the other. Hopefully its just something simple or water in the gas and not that. Is the motor still under warranty?

 

[beetlespin]

I hope its blown up. Its under warranty. I also started to change the gear lube today but all that came out was water. The seals on fat shaft mercs suck. I guess I will take it down to Nichols Marine tomorrow morning.

 

[stratos21xl]

yuck...im sorry to hear that Beetle. It's no fun having engine trouble. Hopefully they can get you back on the water soon.

 

[wrechin2]

May be a blown base gasket. Seems to be a common problem from what I have heard. Has your water pressure changed? I have also heard of 2 strokes doing that if too low in the water on the JP because of the water line will cause it to reverb (exhaust scavaging) in the cylinders. Just a thought.

 

[wrechin2]

Yep, buddy of mine had the same issue with his lower on a 250 XS. Ton of water in it when I changed it. I know there is a issue with the drive shaft seals. They revised a carrier for 2 seals instead of 1. It was causing alot of case failures from what I read.

 

[beetlespin]

My last one had a failure going about 45 mph in a stratos. It locked up instantly. I imagine if this one locked up at 85 on my Allison it would be scary and painful!

 

[wrechin2]

yeah!!!!!

 

[jbh3]

Definitely a good catch on that LU. I think mine is on it's 3rd seal job since 2/07. First one was for the drive shaft seal upgrade. Latest one was for the prop shaft seal. On Merc's instruction, the prop and drive shafts were checked for run out and burrs. Both were found to be within spec. This year Merc has started using the Verado gear case on all 3 liter Opti's. All seals use bolted retainers and reverts to Flo Torq type hub. I'm lobbying heavily for a replacement for mine if it leaks again. Keep a close eye on the LU for signs of leakage! Hope you get yours back soon. Please let us know what the Nichols folks find. Thanks!

 

[beetlespin]

Mine is a Sportmaster. They don't have those on Verados do they?

 

[wrechin2]

Torque master and sportmaster have the same internal. just the case is different shape. Unless they have changed on the 3 liters.

 

[jbh3]

beetlespin - 8/31/2009 3:01 PM

Mine is a Sportmaster. They don't have those on Verados do they?

Don't believe so. Definitely could be an issue for folks running the high speed hulls. There was a thread on BBC a week or so ago about this issue and putting a cone on a Verado case.

 

[wrechin2]

A stock case is good only to around 84MPH then they start to create such a void because of the shape they become real prone to blow out. Been in a few that blow out and it is not fun!!!!

 

[SNUFFY]

beetlespin - 8/31/2009 10:29 AM My last one had a failure going about 45 mph in a stratos. It locked up instantly. I imagine if this one locked up at 85 on my Allison it would be scary and painful!

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I`d say it would be real wet too.......... Rolled a wave about armpit high into my 20 Bullet when it shut down at 70. Should have seen the look on my buddy`s face when it hit.emoParty emoParty </p>