2002 Mariner 60Efi 4 stroke Alarm

[JCW]

I had an alarm sound 2 weeks ago while blasting for a couple of mins at 5000RPM. The engine guardian automatically reduced the revs down to 1500 so I went back to the slipway at reduced throttle to recover the boat.

I took it to my local Mariner dealer, they performed a full service and Diagnostic test. The diagnostic check showed no faults from the engine ECM, only that the alarm had sounded!! The impeller was changed during the service and the dealer tested the engine and all was OK.

On Sunday I tried the boat out, after warming the engine up for 20 mins trolling to the no speed limit area I opened the throttle and after 45 seconds the alarm sounded again, engine power was reduced, so again I recovered the boat and today I took the boat back to the dealer. I actually took my video camera with me to capture the fault.

I showed the dealer the video and now after further testing the ECM flagged a low water pressure fault and hence the motor was shut down to prevent overheating.

The dealer removed the thermostat which was functioning correctly but showed signs of severe salt corrosion. I have now been told the power head needs to be removed due to a possible blockage in a grommet or rubber feed pipe?

The engine has done 121 hours, serviced at the first 20 hours and every year a full service by the authorised dealer.

The dealer to their credit knows that I look after the engine and that I have fresh water flushed it each time after use in accordance with the manufactures recommendation. Mariner have also agreed to cover the cost under warranty even though it expired a year ago.

My worry is what will stop this happening again in another 100 hours? Unless the part had been updated with a design change it will happen again as I have religously followed all the service and flushing requirements set by Mariner.

What are your thoughts on this.

Thanks

[Pete7]

Your not the only one with this fault. From what Lee Fairweather was saying its a powerhead off to get at the water pick up tube which has been made of 2 types of different metals which corrode up.

Pete

[JCW]

Pete,
do you know if Mariner have updated the part? My dealer told me that there were no technical service bulletins issued for this concern. You are right about the power head having to removed though!!

[Pete7]

No don't think they did, but Lee is expecting quite a few as they are starting to get to that point. Give him a ring, very helpful.

Regards

Pete

[JCW]

Thanks Pete,
I will give him a call.

[tinker]

Ive had this problem with a 1998 4 stroke 25hp mercury outboard. The casting had also been worn away by the leaking cooling water. Expensive repair with parts and labour, could not fine to much on the web though to reflect this been a common problem.

[MeMe]

........and could not help but cringe when you advised the very same thing happened again - don't you just hate it when that happens ? Having had similar such experiences both RIB and none RIB related, I know the feeling only too well - it aint a nice one, especially after all the time, trouble and resorces you devoted to rectifying the problem.

Anyway, for what it's worth this is what I would do - and I don't mean to be crass.

www.boatsandoutboards.com

FOR SALE 2002 RIBCRAFT
Full Main Dealer Service History.
Serviced just last week in preperation for new owner and forthcoming season.
Lovingly Maintained
etc...etc....

[JCW]

MeMe,
this is the first time it has happened. My concern is unless the failed part that is going to be replaced next week has been improved with a design change the fault will re-occur. I am still awaiting a response from Mariner to this question.

[JCW]

The engine has now been stripped down and the fault traced to a rubber feed pipe that had closed up due to softening of the rubber. The engine had to be removed with just the saddle bracket remaing on the transom. All for a £5 rubber tube!!!

I have been told this part has infact been modified and the dealer is now waiting for the part to be shipped from belgium.

So if you get an overheat alarm come up on a mid range 4 stroke merc or mariner this may be your answer.

[EDDO]

Does anyone know when the part was upgraded? Ive got a 2004 60 4stroke Mariner .
Hoped that it was bullit proof