Milky oil in my new Merc 115

[abelfisher]

I was out yesterday, adn I thought the motor sounded just a bit different than normal.  When I got home, I checked the oil.  It was all milky and way up on the dipstick.  I am geting ready to take to the dealer for service (Big pain in the A$$)!!   Anyone have this happen and what is the most likely cause of this?  I can't think of anything I might have done to cause this problem.

[Rose_Jackets67]

Milky oil is a result of coolant (in a automobile) or usually water (in an outboard) mixing (this is a 4 stroke, right?).

I'm no outboard mechanic, but this could be being caused by a warped block or head surface, blown headgasket, or a failed gasket or seal at any point where oil and water could meet in the engine.

In many cases, if a sealing problem between the head and block is bad enough, you will notice a lack of power. Sometimes, you'll leak coolant or oil (or both). Sometimes, all that you can see is whats on the dipstick or oil fill cap.

Good luck, and hopefully it's something cheap and easy so you can get back on the water soon.

adam

[Madhouse27]

Abel, I'd call the dealer first thing monday morning. I'm afraid this might be a bad one. You may want to dig out all your paperwork from when you bought the boat. Get your warranty stuff in order etc. What a bummer.

[abelfisher]

Abel, I'd call the dealer first thing monday morning. I'm afraid this might be a bad one. You may want to dig out all your paperwork from when you bought the boat. Get your warranty stuff in order etc. What a bummer.

Yeah, I already went to the dealer this afterrnoon.  Talked to the co-owner.   The service dept. wasn't open today (Sunday) so I have to take it back.  He said he woudl do what he could to get me in and out as soon as possible, etc.  But he said depending on how bad it was, it could be anywhere from a few days to 6 weeks depending on parts, etc.  I about threw up!  I told him I needed it back this Friday.  I fish every weekend.  Have less than 10 hrs on the motor.  What a bummer is right!   :'( :'(

[Skwerl]

With less than 10 hours on it, I'd be asking for a replacement motor. You paid for a new, working motor and they sold you a bad one. Mercury should eat the cost, making you wait for weeks would pretty much guarantee they would be on my 'black list' for life.

[abelfisher]

With less than 10 hours on it, I'd be asking for a replacement motor. You paid for a new, working motor and they sold you a bad one. Mercury should eat the cost, making you wait for weeks would pretty much guarantee they would be on my 'black list' for life.

Kinda what I AM THINKING RIGHT NOW!

[Ben]

Would be nice in the ideal world but most likely, if there's much wrong, they will have to get a merc field tech to look at it and approve them either replacing the power head, or just making the necessary repairs.  Either way, it won't be a quick fix unless they just replace the head gaskets and send you on your way.  

[KYbass1276]

With less than 10 hours on it, I'd be asking for a replacement motor. You paid for a new, working motor and they sold you a bad one. Mercury should eat the cost, making you wait for weeks would pretty much guarantee they would be on my 'black list' for life.

Skwerl hit it on the head I wouldn't accept anything less than a new moter, I would be to afraid of maybe future problems down the road after the warranty is up. If they value your business it shouldn't be a problem

[Madhouse27]

I'm with Skwerl too. They should put a new motor on the back of that boat. If someone has to wait for Mercury to go good on the deal it should be the dealer not you. If he starts talking about you waiting for six weeks I'd just say I'm returning the boat and motor for a full refund now give me back my d**n money. Tell him you will file a complaint under the California Lemon Law (or some other nonsense). If this was a new car with ten miles on it would you be expected to walk everywhere until the middle of August. Give me a break. Make it real clear that if he's in the mood to jerk someone around then he's chosen the wrong guy to do it to. He sold you defective merchandise so as far as I'm concerned it's time to fix it pronto, replace it or give back the money. The only other solution I would consider would be the use of a "loaner" boat of similar value until mine was fixed. Keep us posted.

[Madhouse27]

Abel, you've got me all riled up

[abelfisher]

Abel, you've got me all riled up

Sorry Madhouse

I appreciate all the input guys! Yeah, the more time I have to think about this, the more ticked I get!

It will be an interesting discussion when I take it in.

[Skwerl]

Abel,

It isn't the dealer's fault as he isn't the one who manufactured the motor. But it is his responsibility to stand behind his product with less than 10 hours on the ticker. Keep that in mind so you can hold him responsible without getting personal. Get him on your side. You're the one who will spend thousands of dollars over the next several years on more boat stuff. And you're gonna spend it at the dealer who doesn't jerk you around and make you pay for HIS broken boat for 6 weeks without being able to use it. He should be taking your side and standing up to his Mercury rep, not jerking you around. If he won't, then it only proves my point that a 'warranty' is no better than the person who signed it.

[Madhouse27]

Abel, we need an update  :-/

[Ben]

10 hours on a vehicle can equate to several hundred miles.  How many automobile dealers/manufactors have given you a new vehicle just because your "NEW" vehicle just broke.   If that was the case, so many states wouldn't have to adopt lemon laws.  

Mercury or that dealer don't want to mess with trying to resell a motor they've already sold.   If you can even get a brand new powerhead put on it, feel lucky.   If you get a new motor, feel totally blessed, because you must be living your life entirely right.  

Welcome to the wold of what I call consumer engineering.   They build it, we test it, don't care whose model it is.  They are all under the gun to get the EPA motors on the market and with all the totally new technology, they're not spending the time needed for developement testing,  we are doing that for them.  I personnaly don't care for four strokes, way too heavy and no where near the torgue of their two stroke counter parts but still say if I was to buy one, it would be a Honda.  They have just been doing it so long, they have just about gotten the bugs out.  I also know if you fish federal park lakes, you have not choice but to use four stroke.  That's why you can buy very nice boats and two stroke motors in Arizona auctions for about 1/3 what they will sell for in many other areas.

[abelfisher]

Thanks Madhouse.  Somehow I knew I woulod hear from you today ;D

Well, first of all, I looked at all of the posts from the folks who responded to this and made my "Talking Points"  No foolin. Thanks guys they were all good.

Basically, let them know that I was not upset with them (dealer) but I did expect quick service and expected them to work in my regard with mercury if it gets to that point.  I told them if it was simple and easy, fix it.  If it was major, to slap a new motor on it.  I told them I wanted to pick it up Friday afternoon because I have 3 days of fishing this weekend (wife out of town for week and a half, and I ain't staying home)

I went on and told them the reason I bought new was to avoid these problems.  They suggested 115 Hp Merc and I took their recommendation.  I was initially thinkig a 60HP.  I told them this is the reason I buy Honda and Toyota's for my cars.  He reminded me the power head on the Merc is made by Yamaha...oops!  Told them, I paid $19K for a new boat and with under 10 hrs I don;t expect to be jerked around.  

They said the boat is going right in for repair.  I told the service mgr, i would call him tomoorw morning and find out what time I can expect to pick it up on Friday.  And oh by the way, there a case of beer in a cooler iced down in the boat for the boys in the shop!   ;D Talk to you tomorrow"

So we'll see tomorrow what they have found the damage to be.  They did say it could just be some Plugs or gaskets.....  We'll see.

I really hope I don't need to get into it with Mercury.  If I do, I may call upon my friends at BassResource.com to send them emails.

Thanks for asking!  I 'll let you know what I find out

[Cajun1977]

sounds like they are very helpful  but dont get to excited to have back by friday for sure  some things are  out of everyones control   such as parts and stuff      did you ask about a loaner boat just in case yours wasnt ready

[abelfisher]

I did not ask about a loaner.  If I did, I was afraid they would think that I knew there was no way I was getting my boat on Friday and the pressure was off.  I want the pressure ON.  If I need a loaner I may ask for it, but wanted to wait and see what I hear.  

[KYbass1276]

Thats a bummer new toy and can't play with it.  With a three day weekend coming up and moma being out of the house  I feel your pain  Hang in there I hope it works out soon.  

[Hot Rod]

Sorry Man what a bad deal.  This story makes me want to cry.  I feel your pain especially because a similar thing happened to me this year. :'(

Bought a new $20K boat in February then picked it up in March.  When I picked it up I checked it over very well and all was in order.  Signed the papers and towed it home 125 miles (one way) from the dealer.

Got it home and of course the first thing I wanted to do was wash all the road grime off of it.  To my horror I discovered a perfect 1/8" hole in the hull!!!  I about died.  After reganing consienousness I put 2 and 2 together and figured out that when they installed the hot foot, which they did after I checked over the boat because they place it where you want it so it is comfortable, they punched a hole in the hull.  So I have a brand new boat, never on the water with a hole in it!!!

Called the dealer told him to come get it and fix it then bring it back because I wasn't going to take two days off of work or miss satrudays of fishing to take it back to them for repairs then back and pick it up.  This was on a Wednesday at their bussiest time of year.

They were hesitant at first but chewed on it for awhile and Monday morning they showed up and towed it back in.  I did have to go get it but the dealer apologized and gave me more than enough cash to cover my gas.  He offered to give me a discount on accessories too.  Still it was somewhat of a pain but turned out to be amicable in the end.

I guess my point it that sometimes they have to think about how many people you are going to tell and how much business it might cost if they doen't do the right thing.

If he just fixes your current outboard I'd ask for him to do the next scheduled mainenance FOC too since he'll have to be in there to check things out againat some point once he does the initial repairs.

Hope it works out for you!

[Madhouse27]

Abel, sounds like the conversation went well. You are a good diplomat. I hope the boat is ready for action on friday.

[RLinNH]

Abel, sounds like the conversation went well. You are a good diplomat. I hope the boat is ready for action on friday.

       I hope the boat is ready tomorrow also, but after being on the receiving end of a raw deal with a dealer myself, I wouldn't hold my breath.

[abelfisher]

I called the dealer today.  According to them, they Mercury is overnighting parts to them.  I am assuming if they receive in them in the morning, I may get my boat tomorrow evening.  Keeping fingers crossed........   I'll update as I know more.  At least I would think since the motor had to be torn down to diagnose and know what parts are needed, as soon as they arrive, I am hoping they jump back on it and finsish the job.. :-/

[bassdocktor]

Good luck Abel. I hope all goes well and you get the boat back for the weekend.

[RLinNH]

It's Friday and I have had my fingers crossed for you all day Abel. ;D

                     What's the verdict?

[Madhouse27]

Are we fishing or are we opening up a can of whoopass on someone?