Problems with 50 hp Mercury

[shadking6]

This is not a bash against Mercury, but my father has had constant problems with a 2002 50 hp Mercury on a new pontoon boat. The RPMs are constantly varying during regular running speeds. He has had the boat into two different shops and they tune it up and tell him that it is checking out okay. My dealer (a Johnson/Evinrude dealer) told me that Mercury had continuous problems with the 50 hp two strokes since 2001, and it seems to be coming true. He spoke with a Mercury rep today and they told him that there have been problems with the fuel systems. Has anyone had similar problems? I am not trying to bash Mercury products, but would like to know if anyone else is having the same problems, or if this is an isolated incident?
Scott

[shadking6]

This is not a bash against Mercury, but my father has had constant problems with a 2002 50 hp Mercury on a new pontoon boat. The RPMs are constantly varying during regular running speeds. He has had the boat into two different shops and they tune it up and tell him that it is checking out okay. My dealer (a Johnson/Evinrude dealer) told me that Mercury had continuous problems with the 50 hp two strokes since 2001, and it seems to be coming true. He spoke with a Mercury rep today and they told him that there have been problems with the fuel systems. Has anyone had similar problems? I am not trying to bash Mercury products, but would like to know if anyone else is having the same problems, or if this is an isolated incident?
Scott

[Gary U]

i have 2003 50 hp merc 2-stroke. i have a problem with y rev limiter. had to replace that thing about 4 times before we found that all the major grounds were loose. after the ground were tightened ...no problems. actually that motor runs great, lots of power, easy starting and planes the boat out of the hole super fast. at first i thought i had a lemon but (knock on wood) i think i have a really nice motor. i would call mercury and tell them your problems and see what they can do for you. they really went out of their way for me. wish you the best of luck i understand the frustration. Gary

[chamookman]

shadking6- I ran a 2000 50hp Merc (tiller), for two years without a hiccup. Get with the factory rep, they should take care of it! Good luck, post Your results for Us. Bob WC#253.

[Troutbeck]

Shad,

I have an '03 Merc 50 2 stroke. I have not had any problems with mine. The only minor thing is that the plugs need to be cleaned fairly often. After I clean them, it runs like a dream. Knock on wood! I really need this motor to last a long time.

By the way, I don't mean to bash any company either but Johnson/Evinrude have had their share of problems. I really hate to say that, too. I was an Evinrude guy for years--starting with a little blue 3hp "lightwin."

Good luck to your dad in getting his motor running right.

Trout

[fatboy]

Scott You know that I have a '02 50 two stroke merc. on my alumacraft. I have had no problems at all with it.Now when the late fall gets here and the thing is at idle for awhile it gets a hicup but I know that is due to the jetting.When it was new after two tanks of gas with double oil and varying rpm's top speed was at 30 -31 (gps) after running it enough now to be on my 4th gal. of merc. oil and adding two 31 series trolling batteries and another 6gal gas tank plus lots of other stuff me and Brett where getting 34.8 mph (GPS)If anything about the motor is not the way I would like it it is that I think I have to use the warm up lever to start more than I should.Me and John trolled Platte bay with it at 2.2 mph all day and never a problem.I did change plugs after break in and it has ran perfect since.I do know a guy that let his sit from the end of last july to june of this year without any winterizing and the the runs like krap and I think that the gas gummed it up or something like that.

[Troutbeck]

Fatboy,

What the heck is a warm up lever. It sounds like yours and mine should be the same (mine is a '03) but I don't know anything about a warm up lever. Am I missing something or is it a different motor?

Your top end and trolling speeds are the same as I'm getting. Mine is on a Lund Alaskan 18'.

Thank, Trout

[Scott-ShadKing6]

Finally got an answer on Friday, and the mechanic notified him that the powerhead needs to be replaced. The mechanic then told him that he was no longer a certified Mercury dealer and that his warranty would not be valid at his shop. He then tried to charge my father for the diagnostic testing and labor - which got very ugly when my dad refused and threatened to blacken the guys eyes.
To make a long story short - he contacted the regional Mercury representative and they are contacting a Mercury mechanic that will rediagnose the problem, fix it, and it will all be covered under his warranty. The Merc Rep is really coming through, and he is working on a quick solution since the summer is slipping away. I will post what the problems were when I find out more details.
Scott