Time to freshen up the tower

[74 Carlson]

Some asked why I didn't go on the Sunday cruise and I explained. I think two weekends ago I started to notice a different sound coming from my 115 and it kinda sounded like a main bearing, at first I thought it was my imagination cause it wasn't that loud but it got worse on Saturday on the way back from the beach. So today I had the day off and I started checking everything out, the compression was even across the board at 140psi and great spark and then I pulled the flywheel off to check out what I thought it might have been and the problem was right there. The top crank seal is shot and that would explain the engine sneezing sunday morning at idel, so with the seal out i'm pretty sure the top crank shaft bearing is on it's way out too. Tonight I'm pulling the 115 down for bearing replacement and to freshen up with new piston rings.

[David CVX-16]

Steve, sorry to hear that, but for you it is parts only, without labor cost. I am happy to have found an in-line 6 Mercury mechanic because "Fast, Will Last", the slogan of the Mercs, does not last forever. 

[Rosscoe]

Its a beautiful thing David.

Glad you found the problem relatively easy Steve. I think I hear some strange noises in mine this year but I dont know squat about it so I wont be tearing mine down. I may be imagining it anyways or it could be from my over revving on the minnesota river this spring. That was for a pretty short time however.

[74 Carlson]

I'm really happy I did not run it on sunday except to put it on the trailer, could have made the problem worse.