Broken 40hp Mercury
 

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

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

Samiam:

I'm curious, what year is the motor?

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

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.

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