1995 200 XRi

[xsv spd]

So I'm taking by boat in for some TLC today. I'm having a local outboard performance mechanic look over the fuel system from the tank to the injectors. He is also going to make sure the oil injection system is right.

Put simply, I find my boat sluggish out of the whole. Mid range and top end are not a problem. This is a standard 2100 Pulsare with standard mechanical jackplate and a 25" pitch Laser II. Just in passing the compression is 110 to 112 all around.

Any feedback on what my mechanic should be doing? Clean injectors, replace fuel lines, etc...

 

[xsive]

I would do the following:

Check compression and leakdown, replace impeller, replace mechanical fuel pump diaphragm kit, check and replace spark plugs if necessary, check and adjust throttle linkage and timing if required, replace gearlube using a good synthetic,check warning horn operation.

One other thing to check is the anti-syphon valve in the tank. Some people remove them.

In regards to your injectors, you may want to have them removed and sent to Brucato or another good shop for checking and cleaning, but it could take a bit or turn around time. Certainly a good idea on a 12 year old motor.

In regards to your holeshot, has it gotten worse, indicating a motor problem? If not I would try a different propeller on that boat. You will find that a Tempest Plus or Trophy Plus will give you a way better holeshot and better allround performance on that boat. Pick a pitch that will allow the motor to run at the top end of the recommended RPM range when lightly loaded. It's always good to see if you can find one to try before you buy it, nobody likes a $500 dust collector.

Good luck.

 

[xsv spd]

The holeshot has always been sluggish. I used to own a Sportfire with a 150 XR4. It's holeshot was incredible. I don't have a problem getting up behind the Pulsare with double high wrap ski boots and I weigh 170 but my 220 pound friend does. He teases me because his 135 hp Evinrude on a 17 foot Grew bowrider yanks him out of the water way quicker.

Thanks for the tune up tips! A new propeller is not in the future but I don't mind spending the money instead on finetuning what I have now.

 

[xsive]

What have you got for vent holes in your laser II?

There are different vent plugs available to tune your holeshot. As well, a good prop shop could perhaps put a little more cup in the prop, but it may be better to save your $$ and look at a different prop. You can find used Tempest +, and Trophy +, for $200-300US on various boards.

 

[KevinR]

I agree my Pulsare came with a Lazer II and I hated it. Went to the Trophy plus and love it. If you ski alot try the High Five boat loads of low end with one of those on there.

 

[JW]

25" Laser II sucks for that application. The dealer should have put a 23" Tempest Plus on that package, as that's the 'standard' starting prop for all-around use and top end.

If you do a LOT of ski work, then try a smaller Trophy and see which one you like better. You will get the rpm beep if you run wide open though, as it bounces off the rev limiter.

 

[xsv spd]

I took it in and I will be getting a new fuel supply line from the tank to the motor, including the anti siphon valve and all in between, we will run some engine cleaner, adjust throtle cable and shifter cable and timing.

So that I know, what else can he do from the motor to the injectors?

I know the easy solution is spend $500+ on a propeller, but the holeshot is not so bad that I have to spend that kind of money. We all know the 2.5 litre motor on my size of boat was a problem. I think a good tune up is not only great for the motor but I think it should help the holeshot, no?

 

[JW]

Your '95 200 2.5 XRi is still a valuable motor. Might consider trading up for a late '90's 3.0 225 EFI. You'll gain low and top end.

 

[xsive]

I took it in and I will be getting a new fuel supply line from the tank to the motor, including the anti siphon valve and all in between, we will run some engine cleaner, adjust throtle cable and shifter cable and timing.

So that I know, what else can he do from the motor to the injectors?

I know the easy solution is spend $500+ on a propeller, but the holeshot is not so bad that I have to spend that kind of money. We all know the 2.5 litre motor on my size of boat was a problem. I think a good tune up is not only great for the motor but I think it should help the holeshot, no?

I don't consider what he is doing a "tune up". Rather a bit of preventative maintenance. If you have not replaced the fuel pump diaphragm or impeller in the last 5 years get it done. Leaving it longer is inviting grief. Short of finding something wildly miss adjusted, I don't think that you will see an improvement in holeshot. This being said that it pulls you up but not your larger buddy. I can understand you not wanting to spend a bunch of $$. But like JW pointed out that boat is likely far better served with a 23" Tempest Plus.

Pitch for pitch there is no comparision in holeshot on that boat between those two props. Tempest kills it, carries weight better, and is faster.

As well, I'm not sure what speed or RPM you are running but it probably at best is an honest 65MPH boat@ about 6000RPM. I believe that you are overpropped by running a 25" propeller and a pitching down to a 23" would be of benefit as well.

Do what you want, but short of changing that prop there ain't gonna be much difference. As well, that 2.5 is a really good motor. A 3.0 is a little more torquey, but the difference in performance is not night and day. Set up, Set up, set up.

Jaco's marine sells new Tempests for $383 and also advertises used ones. Don't forget you can always sell your Laser to recoup some loot.

 

[Bob Dobbs]

I recently bought the same exact motor and the compression on my motor was around 120 on all cylinders. My compression seems much higher then yours, but I'm not sure what the correct range should be for these motors. I did some researching myself prior to buying this motor to see what common problems there may be. Here are some links to others that had some problems and what others suggested to check for:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Boat-Repair-2123/1995-200-hp-Mercury.htm

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=147691

 

[xsive]

I recently bought the same exact motor and the compression on my motor was around 120 on all cylinders. My compression seems much higher then yours, but I'm not sure what the correct range should be for these motors. I did some researching myself prior to buying this motor to see what common problems there may be. Here are some links to others that had some problems and what others suggested to check for:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Boat-Repair-2123/1995-200-hp-Mercury.htm

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=147691

From the factory service manual:

Using a fully charged battery, throttle shutters wide open and cylinder block warm. 110 – 135 psi (753.3 – 924.5 kPa) Variance between cylinders should not exceed 15 psi (102.7 kPa)

His motor is still within spec, and there isn't much difference between cylinders to indicate a problem. (I've never seen a motor with 6 wrecked pistons) His readings may be lower than yours due to variances in comp gauges or differences in performing test. (i.e. his motor was cold, yours was hot) Doing a compression test and a leakdown test will give you a great benchmark for knowing when its time to freshen it up. Leakdown of more than 10% on these motors means give it a look inside.

 

[Mark]

I have a 200 XRI on my Starflite and the holeshot is excellent. I run 25" 4 blades. Currently a 25" TRO4 and it turns to 5900 rpm in cool weather. This or a Trophy have far better holeshot on these hulls than Tempests.
How deep is your Laser buried? 3" below the pad is where it should be. If it is too deep you may have trouble getting revs up. Also as Xsive asked, how is your prop vented? This too will make a big difference.

 

[xsv spd]

I use an old compresion gauge which I have had for years. It has been banged around alot over it's life. There are probably more accurate compression testers out there. Yes the motor was warm and yes it was at WOT. I am hopping the engine cleaner / tuner will free up carbon deposits and perhaps bring up compression a little. I am not concerned about compression however, but would love to see it a little higher.

Anyone ever use Mercury's Prop selector? I just did and I give it a mediocre score. It did however indicate a Tempest Plus but a 27"!?

My boat has never hit a high enough rpm to set off the rev warning. It does top out somewhere between 5800 and 6000. Not that easy to stare at when going fast. I can't complain about speed. If I am not loaded up with passengers and have a pretty empty tank and the water conditions are just right I have seen between 72 and 74 on the speedo. If I was to change propellers I would consider a Tempest Plus but am concerned about a 23". I think it would over rev my motor. Wouldn't a 25" be better?

 

[Mark]

Mercury prop selector is not a very accurate approach to propping. Water testing is really the only way to dial in a setup. Your RPM's are right where they should be. A 27" Tempest will be too much prop and a 23" will probably give you too many revs.(would be OK on a Promax where the revs are 6500 @wot but not the XRI) I would definitely only want to try a Tempest before you invest. Lots of guys like them. They have great lift and top end, but in a 25" will be slow out of the hole and in my opinion are ill-handling. As far as a prop is concerned for the 2.5L you will always do better with a small hub prop like a Trophy. I am guessing your Laser is a large hub.
Again, there is the issue of prop height and venting?
It doesn't sound like your motor is running too badly. Plugs and fuel pump diaphram as suggested earlier are still the way to go.
One very real possibilty here is your TPS (Throttle position sensor). It should be set at .250v at idle. If it is too high or low it will effect holeshot but not top end. It is a very simple adjustment but requires the right harness or a little electrical savvy to read it. Takes all of 5 minutes to set but can easily go out of adjustment over time. Some dealers are very negligent about setting them properly, even after performing an otherwise full tune up. Make sure you have it checked.

 

[xsv spd]

I beleive the TPS might be on the list of to do's, but I will call tomorrow and suggest it. Thanks!

I did talk to my guy today and he didn't see anything too alaming so far... Everything is in good shape. That's what indoor storage does in the long run I guess.

 

[boatman4021]

I think if you look at all of the threads on this site, you will find that the people who are running the same boat and motor, are using a 23" Tempest Plus or a 25-26" Trophy Plus. The Tempest Plus has a lot more diameter than a Laser II and more cup. They will not turn near the rpm's of the Laser II in the same pitch, but they are faster. This is the nice thing about this board, you don't have to experiment, we have already done it for you! boatman

 

[JW]

Another interesting item I found in Bass and Walleye Boats magazine a few issues back was a prop test of a Tempest Plus versus a Trophy Plus on the same bass boat. Both props were 27". The Tempest plus pulled harder out of the hole, AND was faster on top end than the 4-blade Trophy.

Every hull, every engine, every setup reacts to every prop differently every time.

 

[Checkm8fan]

Xsv Spd- I have a 23 tempest plus that i bought for my old motor and it does not work on our new one. I could let it go for $350 Cdn.It is a 9.5 out of 10. If you are interested I could Email some pics later. I am in Brampton, Ont. so I don't think shipping would be a big deal, but of that I am not to sure.

 

[xsv spd]

Xsv Spd- I have a 23 tempest plus that i bought for my old motor and it does not work on our new one. I could let it go for $350 Cdn.It is a 9.5 out of 10. If you are interested I could Email some pics later. I am in Brampton, Ont. so I don't think shipping would be a big deal, but of that I am not to sure.

If you are not in a big hurry to sell it, I will seriously consider it! As you have read in this thread, I am hoping the work that is currently being done on my motor will help the holeshot. After everyone's valuable input it seems that although my "finetuning" is great for a 12 year old motor, it may not really help the holeshot. If that is the case we will talk! It seems like the 23"Tempest Plus is the way to go. Hopefully it would not over rev the motor at WOT.

Thanks!

 

[Mark]

See if you can try before you buy!
I don't think the 23" Tempest is right at all. But then I am not a fan. And, I think it will over-rev...but that is why you need to try it first.
I would opt for a 25" small hub 4 blade.