Oil Level Question

Thornback · January 14, 2020, 08:36:57 AM

I have a 2019 Bass Tracker with 60 HP 4-stroke Merc purchased new. I just leveled the motor, checked the oil level on the dip stick, and it showed 3 inches above the full mark. I had the same motor on a new 2005 I purchased and the first oil check also showed 3 inches above the full mark on the dip stick. When I changed the oil and filter, putting in 3 quarts of oil per the manual, the oil level then showed right at the full mark. Why was the oil level so high right from the factory? Anyone else experience this?

Princeton_Man · January 14, 2020, 10:40:34 AM

Quote from: Thornback on January 14, 2020, 08:36:57 AM
I have a 2019 Bass Tracker with 60 HP 4-stroke Merc purchased new. I just leveled the motor, checked the oil level on the dip stick, and it showed 3 inches above the full mark. I had the same motor on a new 2005 I purchased and the first oil check also showed 3 inches above the full mark on the dip stick. When I changed the oil and filter, putting in 3 quarts of oil per the manual, the oil level then showed right at the full mark. Why was the oil level so high right from the factory? Anyone else experience this?

A friend/neighbor who bought a new Tracker Pontoon had the same thing happen with his 60 Merc 4-stroke. When he took it in for an oil change/service his shop discovered it and replaced the powerhead. They told him there was a service bulletin on it but not an all out recall. I don't recall for for sure but I think he said that fuel was getting in the crankcase. I'll send him a text and let you know.

Princeton_Man · January 14, 2020, 10:49:10 AM

Quote from: Princeton_Man on January 14, 2020, 10:40:34 AM
A friend/neighbor who bought a new Tracker Pontoon had the same thing happen with his 60 Merc 4-stroke. When he took it in for an oil change/service his shop discovered it and replaced the powerhead. They told him there was a service bulletin on it but not an all out recall. I don't recall for for sure but I think he said that fuel was getting in the crankcase. I'll send him a text and let you know.

It was water, not fuel.

Does the oil smell like gas?

Thornback · January 15, 2020, 08:56:50 AM

There is no water in the oil and when I smelled the oil and don't believe it has a gas smell. But I'm going to change out the factory oil today and put in new oil, 3 quarts as recommended. Then I'll check the level on the dipstick and keep an eye on it. Stay tuned . . .

Thornback · January 16, 2020, 12:48:04 PM

FOLLOW UP -- I drained my oil and replaced the oil filter. Put in the recommended 3 quarts of 10W-30 Quicksilver oil. Ran the motor for 10 minutes, let it set for 5 minutes, and checked the oil dipstick. Oil level was right on the full mark. I measured the old oil and I got 4.5 quarts. There is no water in the drained oil nor does it smell like gas. I can only deduce it came from the factory with 4.5 or maybe 5 quarts of oil in the motor although the manual says to put in 3 quarts. Exactly the same thing happened with my new 2005 motor.

Princeton_Man · January 16, 2020, 06:33:34 PM

That's crazy, have you asked your dealer about it? I would think running that much over could blow seals.

Mike the fox · January 16, 2020, 07:13:56 PM

I don't remember the exact reason but iirc a 4 stroke engine will make oil if it's not run hard enough. I read something years ago on another forum about this issue. I'm sure a google search will turn something up.

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Oldfart9999 · January 17, 2020, 06:04:30 AM

How does an engine make it's own oil, that would take a leak. it sounds like the oil pump at the factory was left on a setting for a different motor, that's on Mercury.
Rodney

Mike the fox · January 17, 2020, 10:08:55 AM

https://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/community/forums/topic/ftlgeneral_415591/

Try this. Lots and lots of articles when I googled 4 stroke outboard making oil.

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Oldfart9999 · January 18, 2020, 09:41:02 AM

Quote from: Mike the fox on January 17, 2020, 10:08:55 AM
https://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/community/forums/topic/ftlgeneral_415591/

Try this. Lots and lots of articles when I googled 4 stroke outboard making oil.

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I get it, the motor is getting contamination in the form of fuel or water, not making oil. So to cure the problem just open it up and fly down the water way you're on, let 'er rip. It's not making oil, it's loading up with contaminants. Doesn't explain the motor over filled from the factory.
Rodney
Rodney

Thornback · January 20, 2020, 08:10:34 AM

FOLLOW UP -- #2 -- Ran the boat on a lake and a river for about one hour engine time. Next day I checked the oil and It's right on the full mark on the oil dip stick. I'll continue to check it each time I take the boat out.

Thornback · February 06, 2020, 01:19:09 PM

Well since changing my oil & filter I have had my boat out 3 times. After each time I have checked the oil level on the oil dipstick and it keeps rising. I again smelled the oil and I am now convinced I'm getting gasoline in my oil. I'm thinking the gas is bypassing the piston rings and diluting my oil so I'm going to replace the oil with new 20W-40. Anyone have any suggestions/comments?

Bud Kennedy · February 06, 2020, 03:28:39 PM

Best bet would be to take the motor to the dealer and have it completely checked out before you do any damage to your motor.

Oldfart9999 · February 07, 2020, 07:53:23 AM

PITA but I'm with Bud on this, I'd take it back to the dealer and let them and Merc figure out the cure before you damage something.
Rodney

Princeton_Man · February 07, 2020, 10:31:46 AM

I agree, it's a major issue and a should be handled under warranty. If the dealer shrugs it off and denies there's any problem, find a different dealer who will look into it.

Thornback · February 17, 2020, 04:03:42 PM

I decided to go with a thicker oil. Mine was running 10W-30. When I went to my boat shop and told the owner what I had in mind and why he said Mercury has recommended a heavier oil. He was selling a "kit" of Quicksilver 25W-40 4-stroke oil for 40-50-60 HP 4-stroke Mercury motors. The kit contains 3 liters of oil, a filter, a pour spout, and a seal for $48 + tax. I'll report back after a couple of fishing trips.

Bud Kennedy · February 17, 2020, 05:52:14 PM

OK, now I am really confused.........Are you saying that you have been using the wrong oil all along? Is the new oil viscosity the recommended Mercury oil to use? Or are you just taking a crack at trying something different based on dealer comments. I think one might have to show me this in writing from Mercury.

Your prior descriptions strongly indicate a potential motor problem that may be quite significant. Is there a reason you don't want it checked out?

Capt. BassinLou · February 17, 2020, 06:07:24 PM

The 25W-40 might help.

Bud Kennedy · February 17, 2020, 06:16:20 PM

Mercury website calls for 25W-40

There is a mention of 10W-30 for rope start motors.

Thornback · February 17, 2020, 06:39:13 PM

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on February 17, 2020, 05:52:14 PM
OK, now I am really confused.........Are you saying that you have been using the wrong oil all along? Is the new oil viscosity the recommended Mercury oil to use? Or are you just taking a crack at trying something different based on dealer comments. I think one might have to show me this in writing from Mercury.

Your prior descriptions strongly indicate a potential motor problem that may be quite significant. Is there a reason you don't want it checked out?

I apologize if I made misleading or confusing posts. To reply to your nice post I'll take each line at a time.
--I was using the oil recommended in the owners' manual, which is Quicksilver 10W-30. I'll also note I was getting gas into the original oil that came from the factory. Naturally I don't know the viscosity of the factory oil.
--I was told only by a Mercury dealer that Mercury has recommended the 25W-40 oil. I'm also taking a crack at my own theory, which is the same as the dealer told me.
--The kit with the 25W-40 oil, filter, pour spout, and seal, made for my specific motor, is made by Mercury.
--The reason I don't want it checked out is three fold. 1--I don't want anyone working on my motor; 2--I have found dealers leave my boat out in the elements for days before they get to it; 3--It starts and runs like a fine watch.
A question I have for those more experienced than me is -- how would a dealer go about determining how the gas was getting into the oil?
I will also add I purchased a new Bass Tracker in 2005 with the same Merc 60 HP 4-stroke. I ran it for 14 years and it was never in the shop a single time. It never once failed to start and run like new. It also was getting gas in the oil.
I hope I cleared up any confusion. I will post the results at a later date.

Captsteve · February 17, 2020, 08:04:57 PM

You made void your warranty and then have a bad engine

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Bud Kennedy · February 17, 2020, 08:36:15 PM

All of this is fairly new to me but research reveals it is a known issue with these motors for a long long time. Still points to a problem with injector leaks and other things. Changing the oil viscosity may help the fuel blow by on the rings but not entirely. Hard to believe that mercury owners have not pitched a fit over this issue as long as it has been reported through the years. For my money I would insist on a solution from a reputable dealer. I know you don't trust yours but if you can't have a relationship with your servicer then that is something for you to deal with. I still believe that you may be making a critical mistake by not getting this handled correctly. But then again it clearly is your preference. Good Luck I hope it all works out for you.

Not many of us here like the way dealers expect us to leave the boat with them for weeks at a time and then leave it uncovered outside. Unfortunately a very common practice

caddyjoe77 · February 18, 2020, 12:37:34 AM

while its not technically making oil, the issue is commonly called "making oil".

Deadeye · February 18, 2020, 05:39:50 AM

The Term "making oil" is a common one that occurs when Gas gets into to Oil System causing the amount to increase over time.

Happens on many engines, especially 4S, when they are not run hard enough. I have heard of it in 4-Wheelers, Boat Motors, and others. Even Passenger cars.

However if it has a History in the Merc 60 HP, then I would for sure get it fixed under Warranty. You shouldn't have to fear a Reputable Dealer working on your Motor.

Heck my Mercury Service Guy doesn't even have a Boat Dealership so to speak. He sells some Jon Boats, but he is listed on the Mercury Site as a Preferred Mechanic and Service Dealer and his work has been nothing but Top Notch.

Oldfart9999 · February 19, 2020, 03:27:52 PM

It takes a "leak down test", the cylinders are pressurized and timed for the excess air pressure to blow by the rings. At least call Merc and talk to them about it, if they can assure you it's not a problem and/or tell you to have some fun and put it balls to the wall and enjoy.
Rodney