Three Mercury problems

Many people want to know more about the problems with our new Mercury Optimax 300XS.

The most serious issue for me is that the three problem areas are known to the manufacturers. Fixes are already in place, I am told. Then why aren't the fixes in place on the engines they sell?

The three main problem areas are:

1. Frothing oil. Looks like Cappuccino but feeds progressively into the reserve tank on the engine until the alarm sounds. Hard core racers disconnect the alarm.
But we want to protect the engine. After circa 3 hours of running you have to remove the engine cowling and bleed the oil.
We didn't manage one long leg on the race without having to stop to do this.
2. Alternator Belt. Ours came off in the Irish Sea. We were towed into Fishguard.
I understand this is a known problem with a fix. And the answer involves a tensioner pulley with a lip rather than the smooth one supplied.
3. Gear box. It runs quite hot which might be why it is hard on its seals.
The main seal failed during running in. A replacement gearbox was provided. The replacement also leaked oil and filled with water. We caught it in time and fitted a replacement selector shaft seal assembly.

It is a good engine. I like it. But how very disappointing that Mercury haven't dealt with these known problems in the production unit.

- Gavin race +1