Name:	cobra -	Reply
Subject:	oil injection
Date:	3/2/2014 1:06:48 AM

I have installed a new 50 hp power head on my 2000 model Mercury outboard. I know this question has be asked thousand of times and no clear answer but I wanted to ask Catboat. Are these model Mercury's reliable using the oil injection and are the gears plastic or metal? I got the new power head with new oil injection already installed on new engine. I have all the air out of the oil injection pump and have my the tank mixed at 50:1 for the 1st and 2nd tanks just to be sure using the mercury 2 cycle oil. I really want to keep this system the way it came from the factory but so many people keep telling me to mix it. It has performed 8 years for me until I  run it to lean and fried the engine. I have rebuilt the carbs, installed a new water pump, got a new 10 degree 3 blade prop and waiting for the water to come up so I can test it out. I also have a shop tach to test it against the boat tach. I know this engine should run at wide open throttle around 5200 rpm's so I will see next week. For now I am not worrying as I have it mixed for breakin but when I run those two tanks of premix.  I want to use the factory injection but wanted to make sure what you think on this? How would your shop handle this if you don't mind me asking.  I also want to make sure my alarms are working correct for heat and low oil pressure. Thanks for any feedback on this. cobra

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	oil injection
Date:	3/2/2014 9:04:20 AM

Don't worry so much about a problem that you don't or have not had.  You did'nt mention that you had an oiling problem before, only a lean issue that was probably corrected when you rebuilt the carbs.  If it were mine, being that it is a 2000 model I would keep the oil injection system on the motor.  In the early years of automatic oiling for two strokes the forthought was automatic oiling was a convenience for the customer.  A good selling point for sure, but not  well thought out mechanicaly.  Over the years the systems became and are more reliable as technology has improved and manufactures took notice of there somewhat self inflicted problems.  Mercury Optimax comes to mind!  (my favorite) Optimax fuel systems are pretty complicated when compared to older systems.  They have fuel injectors, air injectors and oil pumps.  You just don't see many catastrophic failures on the newer stuff.  Yamaha HPDI is somewhat of the same direct injection system.  These are good reliable systems.  A good way to do a simple test on the alarm system is listen for a "beep" when you first turn the ignition system on.  Although not 100% accurate if you hear the "beep" it's probably working.  When you replaced your powerhead, you should have noticed several "tan" wires about the engine.  Most of the time, the tan wires are for sensors so you should make sure you plugged them all back up.  The early OMC Johnson Evinrude systems went through a period where VRO did'nt mean Variable Ratio Oiling, we called it Very Rarely Oiling.  It was kinda a joke amoung us!  Sorry for the long reply, and if you ask 10 people this question, you will get 10 different answers.  Just ask the same 10 people one simple question-----  "What bases, or justification do you have for your opinion".  One other thing I want to ad to this thread is, when you have your boat serviced, or you service it yourself, remember to visually look over ALL of the oil lines and fuel lines closely.  Make sure they are not shrinking and starting to pull away from there attachment points and that they are ALL secure.  Most of the time, folks blame the pump when a simple line detached.  Something that should be avoided.   Hope this info helps in your decision. 

Steve

www.cathousemarine.com

Name:	cobra -	Reply
Subject:	oil injection
Date:	3/2/2014 4:58:23 PM

  Catboat, I value your opinion and thats the reason I posted here. I had called you several months ago about repairing the engine but I had to give up the borrowed trailer so I just replaced the new power head myself. I tool apart the original engine and it was toast as I first thought. Not even worth rebuilding as the crank and block both ruined. I do have a friend ( retired)  who worked with Mercury engines for over 40 years who is helping me with all this. I have replaced all the fuel lines, water pump, spark plugs and changed the foot oil. The new engine came with thermostat and and like I mentioned of course it had a new oil injection pump. My friend also came and picked up the boat at my shop and we will put it in the water this week. He lives on Lake Martin which is ideal for testing this new engine. I will make sure we test all alarms. I  have done a lot of research on oil in injection VS mixing. I agree with you on leaving the oil injection working. I assume I will still have to run something in the engine each season to keep the carbon down? THANKS again for your post on this. I know you are the real deal when working with marine engines and everyone has told me you treat people fair. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me make this decision. The water is coming up so I know your business is going to boom very soon if not already. Cobra

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	oil injection
Date:	3/2/2014 8:44:04 PM

I think I remember chattin' with you on the phone.  I talk to many customers, and can't remember everything (Old Age?)  Thank you very much for your kind words and confidence.  Please feel free to call 334-358-2838 or email cathousemarine@aol.com anytime, and I bet you have great success with your engine, as it seems that you covered all the bases. 

Respectfully,

Steve