Help needed MCM 140...

[DennisM]

Hello all, I am brand new to the site, just got a new to me, FW horizon 190, it has the mcm 140 merc in it.

It has sat for two years, due to previous owner having a leak around the exhust manifold, and it would run hot in channels but fine out in the open.

I am saving that problem for last, first trying to just get it tested and fired up. The starter appears to be fried, the terminal where the main pos cable connects from the battery, is able to be pushed in to the solenoid, is that normal? (i dont think it is)

Also when supplying juice from a battery charger to the system, I can hear the trim pump try to engage but doesn't seem to be pumping anything and the outdrive doesn't move.

Does it need more then the juice from the battery charger to engage? Also how do I check the fluid level in it?

Once last question, the parts list I found for the motor lists it as having power steering but I can not for the life of me find a pump for it. Was it an option on the 1986 140's?

Thanks in advance and help!

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Help needed MCM 140...

You are right about the solenoid, sounds like its broken, maybe from overtightening the terminal. And yes more power is needed to run trim pump than most chargers will produce, how is battery? If more than a couple yrs old, replace it. And last, power steering was optional on 140s but not many seem to have it. Why do you need a pump? They last forever, though they do rust out sometimes.

 

[DennisM]

Re: Help needed MCM 140...

Thanks for the quick response.

As for the pump, I am just trying to figure everything out on the boat, My last one was a 86 bayliner capri. The steering is really tight on this one so thought was it had power steering.

As for the solinoid, going to have to find a aftermarket one for it. Local shop that rebuilds them wants 145 to rebuild it.

Hopefully I can find one local somewhere, I want to get it tidied up enough to launch so i can then start looking for the water leak but want it in the water first. Just bought a house on the water and its killing me not being out there


I will get the starter replaced then wired back up then see how the trim works..

Thanks again!

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Help needed MCM 140...

Your welcome. Sounds like maybe it needs a steering cable, but get it up and running before you do anything else to see what you got.

 

[DennisM]

Re: Help needed MCM 140...

Decided to take the starter to the four winns dealer here, if the starter is bad as well, 150 to rebuild it, think I will be better off doing that then buying a import aftermarket one.

If I am lucky the starter will test fine and I will only need the solenoid for it.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Help needed MCM 140...

I'm not a huge fan of aftermarket parts,,, but real happy with the one I bought from DBelectrical. It's a gear reduction starter and spins the engine a whole lot better than the ol' Delco starter that was on the engine before. The replacement from DB was around $70 shipped, including new bolts and shims.

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-2285-new-mercruiser-omc-starter-30-long-short-mount-sdr0272.aspx

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Help needed MCM 140...

One thing is I am not sure I would save the overheating/exhaust leak for last. You will need to replace the water pump in the sterndrive. You can get a pretty complete kit for $35-50. Pick up an outdrive gasket, two drain plug gaskets, a couple quarts of of gear lube and a pump for the lube while you are at it. Check the drive bellows while it's off. Basic stuff if it has sat for a couple years, the impeller will be dried out and either will crack or is cracked.

And yeah that does sound like a great deal on a starter! Will keep that in mind. Cheap enough maybe you buy two and keep a spare on board!

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Help needed MCM 140...

Man that sounds pretty steep for a starter rebuild only paid 35.00 @ my local electric motor shop.

 

[DennisM]

Re: Help needed MCM 140...

Thanks again for all the help.

I have decided to tackle this in a different direction. I am going to track down the leak first before spending a boat load on the starter issue.

I was told that at speed it is fine temp wise, but at slow speeds, it run hot. I can see on the exhaust side below the manifold a few rust lines from where the water has run down on the block there.

I pulled the dipstick and it looks a little milky So I am going to pop the carb off, and take off the exhaust manifold and see where it is leaking. I am starting to think that the block is toast if there is water in the oil. If there is a crack there letting water into the oil chambers patching that will not do a thing i am thinking.

There are five bolts through the exhaust manifold, are these the ones I remove to remove the manifold? Will take pics when I go back out there to start on this.

 

[tupperj]

Re: Help needed MCM 140...

Dennis,

Have a SeaRay from the save year with the same engine. Already replaced a head gasket once, then replaced the engine. Story for another thread. So, yes, those are the bolts you take off to remove the manifold.

One suggestion: take one of the bolts to your local Lowes/Home Depot and get a couple equivalent bolt an inch or two longer. Cut the heads off. When you go to re-assemble things, put one in each end of the block. Then, you can slide the gasket on and slide the manifold on without having to juggle heavy objects and start bolts. Has worked really well for me.

And definitely find the overheating problem. I didn't, and it caused me a load of trouble.

Best of luck!
Paul