MerCruiser Recall:Polymer Steering Cooler on Sterndrive Models

[PDXboater]

I have a new 2010 Sea Ray 205 Sport with a MerCruiser 4.3L V6 MPI engine. I just received a recall notice from Mercury (MerCruiser Service Bulletin 2010-12). The power steering fluid cooler needs to be replaced (the current housing is polymer and can break). I did some searching to find out what is happening out there but didn’t find any posts from Sea Ray owners. I did find a few other boards with posts from owners of other boat makers that experienced the “break” with serious consequences (power steering fluid leaked, engine overheated, water filled compartments, etc.). These were 2010 new boat owners.

Our dealer doesn’t have the part so we have to wait. It doesn’t sound like it’s worth the risk of boating until the part is replaced. I'm really disappointed, we were looking forward to the last few days of boating with our kids before school starts, especially since we JUST got a new Sampson Sports Wakeboard tower installed.

 

[PDXboater]

Took boat to dealer, although I received the Mercruiser recall letter, my boat didn't have recalled part. Good news!

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

Glad to hear your boat doesnt have the recalled part.

I just put in a 2010 496 MAG and am curious.

Does the service bulletin show what engine models or serial numbers have the problematic part?

 

[Fun Times]

Glad to hear your boat doesnt have the recalled part.

I just put in a 2010 496 MAG and am curious.

Does the service bulletin show what engine models or serial numbers have the problematic part?

You need to inspect your power steering cooler.

What you are looking for is if the cooler is either copper material or is it Polymer material, you need to replace the Polymer material cooler for a copper style cooler.

Serial number range is, 1A350037 - 1A350511, Also 1A601377 - 1A608988. This is for new factory engines.

Mercruiser Remanufactured Engines Serial Numbers Are 1G400659 - 1G401328.

Mercruiser CPO Engines Serial Numbers Are 1G480598 - 1G480761.

Not affected engines are the 3.0L without power assisted steering, Axius, The new 8.2 EC engine, Inboard and Tow sports engines, These engines either do not have or use or came with the right style cooler.

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

Thanks for the reply Boat Tech.

My serial # 1A350663 , which looks to be ok but i'll check anyway to be sure.

Im assumming polymer is a plastic type material??
Will i be able to tell the difference by sound by tapping on it with a screw driver??

 

[Fun Times]

You should have the dealer or a dealer register your engine so you can get on mercruisers mailing list, ect.

Did you buy a merc warranty?

Thanks for the reply Boat Tech.

My serial # 1A350663 , which looks to be ok but i'll check anyway to be sure.

Im assumming polymer is a plastic type material??
Will i be able to tell the difference by sound by tapping on it with a screw driver??

Yes, the photo in the service bulletin looks like it's some kind of plastic material.

So tapping and looking at it should give you the answer you need.

Good luck with it.:smt001

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

Bought the engine though a merc dealer but did the install myself.
Havent really did any paper work as far as warranty or anything yet.
Just finished putting the 20 hours break in period on her.
It came with a 2 year warranty

 

[knickick]

Bought the rebuilt engines though a merc dealer but did the install myself.
Havent really did any paper work as far as warranty or anything yet.
Just finished putting the 20 hours break in period on the engine.
It came with a 2 year warranty

Although it came with a 2years warranty at least you'd finished her. That's good for me.