2003 Mercury 115 4 stroke EFI

Doug Erickson · #1 07-28-2003, 02:34 PM

Otto,
I bought my wife a new 19'Sea Pro cc last year with a 125 Mercury.
Same problems with shifting,stiff as hell and real easy to over shift into reverse from forward and vice versa.
My dealer told me it would be the case before I got the boat.
I recently started using her boat,when i blew the lower unit on the seacraft.
The controls on the Evinrude are much better.
I wonder if it is in the lower unit or just the Quicksilver shifter on the Merc.

ocuyler · #2 07-28-2003, 02:35 PM

Doug,

The dealer was specific about the problem being with the lower unit, but, we'll see. In retrospect, I never used a Merc shifter that I liked. I like the 1989 Yamaha shifter on the 23 SeaCraft. It's a dream compared to a nightmare.

I'm sure they'll get it working adequetly. The starting in gear thing is a liability nightnmare for me, the dealer and the OEM. If they can't fix that, they'll be a Ficht or Yamaha on there according to my boat (and lawsuit)loving lawyer.

I heard the WOT theory from the Honda rep too. The dealer is re-proping this motor to find the 6000 RPM max, to improve it's hole shot and 6 pasenger cruise performance. With the existing prop, I'm only getting 5400, but it still goes 45 mph. In the area I use this boat, that's PLENTY FAST in all but the calmest conditions. Isn't part of the break-in procedure getting AIR?

Any other comments out there. A solution would be good...

[ July 28, 2003, 01:58 PM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

barnacle · #3 07-30-2003, 07:51 AM

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.

ocuyler · #4 07-30-2003, 02:48 PM

Joe,

Thanks for the comments. Turns out, the dealer ordered a new gear case/lower unit and will install it under warantee. We'll see from there.

I really think that having the wrong prop (over-propped) was putting extra load on the clutch, making it harder to get out of gear, but I'm no expert. I am an expert at how much all this shit costs though...

If you do hear anything, it would be appreciated.