posted 07-24-2014 03:57 PM ET (US)        

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Well, dog gone, it has been seven years since I posted about my Mercury 200-HP Black Max outboard. I did all that was suggested and it ran like a top for those seven years. Finally gave it up and it was my own fault. So, wanted to share what happened.

When I bought this boat with the motor the main oil tank was about half full. I filled it and continued to run the motor and refill the oil when needed. When it failed, I had it rebuilt as a 95 EFI. Now runs just like new. The problem was the main oil tank. I had never drained or checked the oil in that tank, and it had been in there for a VERY long time. Residue had settled out in the bottom, and that residue had intermittantly plugged the oil supply and caused the motor to blow one piston. Actually, the pin in the ring groove that keeps the ring from spinning came out and got caught in one of the ports. BOOM. New block, piston, etc. Lesson learned: if you have a older outboard whose oil tank has never been completly cleaned out then it is a good idea to drain all the old oil and clean that system really well. --Dale