Broken 40hp Mercury

[SAMIAM]

Took my 40hp Merc (2 stroke) for a last run before winterizing and noticed white smoke billowing out of the exhaust.It steadily lost power as I barely made it back to the dock before it died.It didn't run out of oil and still turns over but won't start. Nor looking for a fix by mail,just wondering if anyone had a similar problem so I'll know what to expect when I bring it in for repair. Thanks in advance.

[Woodsy]

Took my 40hp Merc (2 stroke) for a last run before winterizing and noticed white smoke billowing out of the exhaust.It steadily lost power as I barely made it back to the dock before it died.It didn't run out of oil and still turns over but won't start. Nor looking for a fix by mail,just wondering if anyone had a similar problem so I'll know what to expect when I bring it in for repair. Thanks in advance.

White smoke is an idicator of water in the combustion chamber. Sounds like a head gasket.... might need new pistons too. You can do a quick compression test to figure it out. A quick visual check would be to pull the spark plugs.

Woodsy

[SAMIAM]

Thanks much,Woodsy.That will be an easy test.

[secondcurve]

Samiam:

I'm curious, what year is the motor?

[SAMIAM]

Right around 1998.....not exactly sure ,but it ran great up to that point...Might be trashed if the pistons got fried...Oh well

[secondcurve]

Samiam:

That seems like a relatively new motor to have the type of problems you are describing. I'd be curious to hear what your mechanic says.

[SAMIAM]

I'll probably wait until spring to tow it down,but will definately post the diagnosis.Just wanted a few advance thoughts so I don't get ambushed.Thanks