[barnacle]

Otto, I have not heard of this problem. We are not a Mercury outboard dealer so we do not see them to much. The only problem I have heard with the mid size Mercurys is a gearcase wine when a stainless prop is used. This they say is normal. As for the rpms its very important to be able to hit the top rpm to keep these engines alive. Even if you dont run it at 6000 rpms. If you have a motor lugging it will not live long. Next time A mercury man comes in Ill ask him about it.