too much oil can ruin an engine??

[brumbyvet]

(1) All 4-Stokes to a "small" degree will have some oil dilution....

My 75 hp 4 stroke makes a little oil throughout the year (maybe 1/2 quart or so). I'm pretty sure it's worse when used at idle speeds.

Many Merc four strokes "make oil" , including mine. There are many threads on this in other forums and most people just check oil level often and drain some oil when necessary. I usually drain about two quarts off and fill with one quart every mid season. I also do complete oil , filter change at end of every summer. Google "mercury making oil" for much more info.

[PlaynDoc]

Here's the update.....

As mentioned earlier, I took the boat to an authorized Mercury repair shop: Singleton Marine Group, at Lake Oconee.

They said there was no gas in oil, it was simply overfilled, but that the oil level did not cause the problem.

Their report said: Found float is stuck on full.

So, they removed and replaced float switch, seal, and hose, along with remove and replace damaged oil filter.

All under warranty. My cost: $0.00, other than towing it 1.5 hours each way, to get it to the right place, for the right repair.

When I picked it up, I took it out on the lake, and ran the hell out of it for about 2 hours. Ran great.

I have no idea what the cost would have been, but here are the part numbers:

26-880596502 Seal
8M6000359 Float
32-880596A05 Hose Kit
8M0082911 Air Filter

This is the *one* time I've bought extended warranty on an item... I guess it paid off <depending on how much I paid, I can't recall> My warranty expires in April.

[sunedog]

Here's the update.....

As mentioned earlier, I took the boat to an authorized Mercury repair shop: Singleton Marine Group, at Lake Oconee.

They said there was no gas in oil, it was simply overfilled, but that the oil level did not cause the problem.

Their report said: Found float is stuck on full.

So, they removed and replaced float switch, seal, and hose, along with remove and replace damaged oil filter.

All under warranty. My cost: $0.00, other than towing it 1.5 hours each way, to get it to the right place, for the right repair.

When I picked it up, I took it out on the lake, and ran the hell out of it for about 2 hours. Ran great.

I have no idea what the cost would have been, but here are the part numbers:

26-880596502 Seal
8M6000359 Float
32-880596A05 Hose Kit
8M0082911 Air Filter

This is the *one* time I've bought extended warranty on an item... I guess it paid off <depending on how much I paid, I can't recall> My warranty expires in April.

Good for you! That is great news.

So are they concluding the engine "made" the extra oil causing it to be overfilled? Otherwise, I would be surprised the extended warranty covered it. Just about every warranty of any kind excludes coverage for negligence. And if someone simply put too much oil in it, that would be considered negligence.

[teecro]

... So are they concluding the engine "made" the extra oil causing it to be overfilled? Otherwise, I would be surprised the extended warranty covered it. Just about every warranty of any kind excludes coverage for negligence. And if someone simply put too much oil in it, that would be considered negligence.

From what I took away from the post was that they concluded that it was simply over filled, but that was not the problem. The float switch in the fuel system was at fault and it was the cause of the rough running.

[PlaynDoc]

... So are they concluding the engine "made" the extra oil causing it to be overfilled? Otherwise, I would be surprised the extended warranty covered it. Just about every warranty of any kind excludes coverage for negligence. And if someone simply put too much oil in it, that would be considered negligence.

From what I took away from the post was that they concluded that it was simply over filled, but that was not the problem. The float switch in the fuel system was at fault and it was the cause of the rough running.

right. that's what they are saying.... although there was too much oil, it didn't contribute to problem...... (still doesn't explain the oil-soaked air filter area though..)

[teecro]

... although there was too much oil, it didn't contribute to problem...... (still doesn't explain the oil-soaked air filter area though..)

Actually in my experience it does. I've seen compact 4-Stroke diesel engine as well as motorcycle engine that would churn the oil with the crankshaft thus making them rather "gassy" for lack of a better term and push this oil up and out the crankcase breather and into the air box etc.

[PlaynDoc]

Today, I got a call from the dealership that repaired my mercury...

As you've read, I've already picked up my boat and have a receipt showing no monies due from me, to the dealership. On the receipt, all areas for amounts say "WARRANTY", and Total Due line reads $0.00

I am satisfied with the parts/labor provided.

He said that Mercury company denied the repairs, under my extended warranty. Had this issue occurred under original warranty, it would have been covered. They said that Mercury deemed these parts to be expected to wear out.

So, they want me to pay <about> $350.00 for the repairs, since Mercury won't reimburse.

What's y'alls opinion? I guess legally, I owe them nothing. But, they did the work, and they paid for the parts. I'm no lawyer, but I have stayed in a Holiday Inn....

What would you do?

1. Tell them to go pound sand - they told me no cost to me, so they get to swallow it?
2. Tell them I'll pay the entire amount?
3. Split it with them?

[Bamaman]

I'd ask the dealer to send you a copy of the letter/email from Mercury turning down the claim.

Then I'd call Mercury Customer Service direct and bitch at them. If they still refuse to honor the claim, you'd need to pay the dealer for their time and parts.

I researched the parts online and found the following:
26-880596502 Seal $26.90 list can be bought on Ebay for $13.50
8M6000359 Float $92.65 can be bought on Ebay for $68
32-880596A05 Hose Kit $26.90 can be bought on Ebay for $17.22
8M0082911 Air Filter $100.10 can be bought on Ebay for $75.00

If the servicing dealer is wanting substantially more, I'd try to compromise on the parts. The air filter is highway robbery for what you get.

Servicing a modern 4 stroke motor is just a 30 minute task, and changing oil and lower unit grease is about all there is to it. Sometimes watching oil drain is the only peace and quiet I get in a week's time and it's something any neophyte mechanic can do. It costs me less than $40 to do my yearly service, not including the $20 something fuel filter changed every other year.

[PlaynDoc]

I'd ask the dealer to send you a copy of the letter/email from Mercury turning down the claim.

Then I'd call Mercury Customer Service direct and bitch at them. If they still refuse to honor the claim, you'd need to pay the dealer for their time and parts.

I researched the parts online and found the following:
26-880596502 Seal $26.90 list can be bought on Ebay for $13.50
8M6000359 Float $92.65 can be bought on Ebay for $68
32-880596A05 Hose Kit $26.90 can be bought on Ebay for $17.22
8M0082911 Air Filter $100.10 can be bought on Ebay for $75.00

If the servicing dealer is wanting substantially more, I'd try to compromise on the parts. The air filter is highway robbery for what you get.

Servicing a modern 4 stroke motor is just a 30 minute task, and changing oil and lower unit grease is about all there is to it. Sometimes watching oil drain is the only peace and quiet I get in a week's time and it's something any neophyte mechanic can do. It costs me less than $40 to do my yearly service, not including the $20 something fuel filter changed every other year.

Thanks for your input, especially researching the price of the parts.... That's something I didn't think of....