Lots of questions for 1989 150hp XR4 V6

CDRISSEN

Cadet
Joined
Apr 8, 2004
Messages
14
1). I have a 1989 150hp Merc Black Max XR4 V6 with a brand new dual rack steering system from teleflex, that is extremely hard to steer. The hole for all the control cables and hoses in the splashwell is as far aft as possible and the cables are binding as it comes out of the splashwell to the engine. I want to put hyd. steering in it. Just curious if the Baystar steering kit will work on it. Baystar says it'll handle up to 150hp max, but my boat will do more than 60 mph with a s/s prop. Not sure if the speed has anything to do with it. My main concern is puttin' around the docks and having a hard time steering, controlling my boat.<br /><br />2). Next, when I tilt the engine all the way up, after about 15 to 20 minutes, its gone all the way down. I dont see any hyd. fluid anywhere. What can I do about this?<br /><br />3). When I'm cruzin around "no wake zones" for too long, i get a warning beep, cant remember if its and intermittant beep or a long and continuous beep. But it goes away as soon as I get some speed. Can anyone tell me the difference between the two and what its trying to tell me?<br /><br />4). I've put about 40-45 hrs on my engine since I bought my boat. It had been serviced and had the impeller replaced just before I bought it. How often do I need to have the impeller replaced? And is there anything else that I should replace seasonally?<br /> <br /> :confused:
 

KCLOST

Commander
Joined
Jun 22, 2002
Messages
2,095
Re: Lots of questions for 1989 150hp XR4 V6

1. not sure<br />2. You most likely have a bad seal in the trim unit... There are a few possibilities that could cause this, one may be as simple as an o-ring. But a manual will help you diagnose the problem and repair...<br /><br />3. A intermittent beep (beep,beep,beep) is an indication of an oil pump problem... A constant "beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep" is an overheat condition. If you are having and overheat alarm at lower rpms. I would take a look at the pressure relief valve or "poppet". If it is stuck open it will dump water out of the block at lower rpms causing an overheat condition. It should be closed below 2500-3000 rpms. Many times debri gets stuck in the valve causing this problem. Easy to check, it's just below the switchboxes on the starboard side down low. I'll walk you through it if you like.<br />Oh, you might want to put in new thermostats also if you're not sure when they were changed last.<br /><br />Don't run the engine with either type of alarm, you could blow the engine!!!! Get that fixed!!!<br /><br />4. I'd change the impeller every season, no less than every other. A lot of this depends on how the engine is run... If for any length of time the engine is run without supplying water to the lower unit, the impeller could be damaged quickly.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Lots of questions for 1989 150hp XR4 V6

The paramiters T-flex puts on the steering has to do with torque load. Since the average person has no way to measure that they simply have equated to to a general speed. Over a given speed the steering torque may overcome the valves in the pump (helm). While you may not lose steering altogether it's possible you will be constantly turning the wheel to go straight. Obvious liability problem.<br /><br />Just go with the Seastar system as long as it fits your paramiters.
 

silenscurator

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 14, 2005
Messages
86
Re: Lots of questions for 1989 150hp XR4 V6

Should also change the lower case gear lube every season...call my anal retentive, but new stuff can't hurt. can go more, i've seen some go 10 years, but i change mine yearly.
 

silenscurator

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 14, 2005
Messages
86
Re: Lots of questions for 1989 150hp XR4 V6

Sorry, had a brain fart as well. spring maintenance includes gear lube, spark plugs (make sure they are the right type for your engine) and impeller as Dhadley indicated. other than that, winterize it in the fall if you don't use it year round and you should be on your way
 

CDRISSEN

Cadet
Joined
Apr 8, 2004
Messages
14
Re: Lots of questions for 1989 150hp XR4 V6

I want to thank you all for this helpful info. i'm currently looking for a seastar system thru e bay. Man, are they expensive!!! The previous owner of this boat had it serviced every winter with impeller change for about $300.00. i think im gonna have them do it all at once. gonna definately have them check for both over heat and oil problems.<br /><br />thanks again
 

KCLOST

Commander
Joined
Jun 22, 2002
Messages
2,095
Re: Lots of questions for 1989 150hp XR4 V6

$300 bucks for seasonal service is a complete ripoff. <br /><br />Stay with us and you will quickly learn all you need to know and do it for less than $50 a season yourself (including most all the parts you may need)...
 
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