2003 ELPTO 125 Knocking

[Smalls56063]

Hello, I have been reading these forums and I have found a lot of good advice for others' problems, so I am hoping there is someone out here that can help me. My problem is when I bought this boat it had not more than 2 hours on it. 7/8ths a full tank of still break in fuel. And we have had Mercury outboards for years and never had a problem. It is "winterised" every year and yes this engine dose have the 2+2 feature. But about 2 years ago we noticed a plug shorted out because of water in the cylinder. Replaced plug and it ran great. But after a year it started to knock very very quietly. But it still ran great. But it has progresively got louder and louder. and now we cleaned all the carbs and they were spotless like they always were. and we have water in the bottom 2 cylinders. And the knocking continues. We have compresion tested all 4 cylinders and they all read between 125-130. And there is spark. And when we get on plane the boat runs on all 4 but not the snap and power it used to. and it spits a sputters for a while. like a few minuets then kinda cleans it throat. I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

 

[Smalls56063]

Re: 2003 ELPTO 125 Knocking

Bump, Please I could use some information from some experts...

 

[Smalls56063]

Re: 2003 ELPTO 125 Knocking

Ok, I talked to a local mercury repair place, and he said that these engines commenly have an exhaust gasket failure and thats why we have water in our bottom 2 cylinders. And a $3000 rebuild is in store for us. Is this true or what are some of your thoughts? Thanks

 

[j_martin]

Re: 2003 ELPTO 125 Knocking

I would suspect that if it were serviced when you first saw water, a gasket would have taken care of it.

The knocking, however, indicates major bearing failure from the constant corrosion of water in the cylinder. That's major overhaul stuff.

If you continue to run it, you'll probably put a "window" in the block, making it not rebuildable.

hope it helps
John

 

[Smalls56063]

Re: 2003 ELPTO 125 Knocking

Yeah I know what you mean. The thing that is irritating about it was we took it in to get tuned up last fall and to figure out what the knocking was and the certified mercury mechanic said that it went away when he put new plugs in. But what do you mean a window? I figure we will just open it up and see what the cylinders look like and pistions and replace the exhaust plate and gaskets and replace the bearings. Any other suggestions? Thanks for your response.

 

[j_martin]

Re: 2003 ELPTO 125 Knocking

When a connecting rod goes through the block, it makes a window.

John