Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > Technical > General Q & A
Mercruiser Mark iv oil temperature issue >

Mercruiser Mark iv oil temperature issue

Notices

Mercruiser Mark iv oil temperature issue

Thread Tools
 
Old 06-15-2022 | 11:44 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default Mercruiser Mark iv oil temperature issue

Hey guys, Sorry for the long post but I need some advice. I have a pair of 370 454’s, basically 454 mags. Just installed new cams, distributors and intakes. Comp xtreme marine cams 234/244, weiand single plane intakes and D.U.I. distributors. The motors have 990 heads. First run at the lake idled fine cold with 70 psi oil pressure on port motor and around 60 psi starboard. After only about 1 mile of running, not even hard running, 3500-4000k rpm my port oil temp held around 170 but starboard had already shot up to 250. Buzzer went off so I shut down and idled back. I then installed larger oil coolers from mr cool. Roughly 2x17 tandem on starboard and 2x12 single on port. I also installed new bypass valves in the block mounted remote filter pad. I used factory part numbers for these. Took it out today, same scenario. Same psi at idle but after only about 1-1/2 miles at semi hard running starboard motor shot up to 250-270 while port held 170. Oil pressure also dropped low on hot motor. I brought it down to idle and pressure slowly increased as temp decreased. I’m at a loss, both are plumbed the same. Larger oil cooler made 0 difference. I would have at least expected some change. Water is pumping good. Water temps never got above 160. Any help here is appreciated.
JAbsher is offline  
Reply
Old 06-15-2022 | 11:57 AM
  #2  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

I did notice a slight difference last year in oil temps and pressure before the changes but it seems like the new parts have really amplified it.
JAbsher is offline  
Reply
Old 06-15-2022 | 12:00 PM
  #3  
Registered
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 1,062
From: Orlando, FL
Default

What are the water temps doing in these motors?
Are you sure ignition timing is correct in both?
DrFeelgood is offline  
Reply
Old 06-15-2022 | 12:09 PM
  #4  
F-2 Speedy's Avatar
Platinum Member
Community Builder
10 Year Member
Platinum Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 11,438
Likes: 3,968
From: Midwest & T-Rock
Default

Originally Posted by DrFeelgood
What are the water temps doing in these motors?
Are you sure ignition timing is correct in both?
read the second to the last sentence
F-2 Speedy is offline  
Reply
Old 06-15-2022 | 12:14 PM
  #5  
SB
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,152
Likes: 3,712
From: On A Dirt Floor
Default

Typically water flow issue, tune issue, or motor coming apart (bearings) issue. I’d pull the oil filter first and cut open looking for bearing material. If that looks good, hopefully right , double check timing then pull carb apart and give it a good twice over snd cleaning. You went thru all the water flow isdues right ? Even thru drive thru transom ?
SB is offline  
Reply
Old 06-15-2022 | 12:15 PM
  #6  
Registered
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 1,062
From: Orlando, FL
Default

Originally Posted by F-2 Speedy
read the second to the last sentence
Missed that. Thanks.
DrFeelgood is offline  
Reply
Old 06-15-2022 | 12:40 PM
  #7  
F-2 Speedy's Avatar
Platinum Member
Community Builder
10 Year Member
Platinum Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 11,438
Likes: 3,968
From: Midwest & T-Rock
Default

doesn't sound like the oil is getting to or through the cooler, did you upgrade the oil lines ?
F-2 Speedy is offline  
Reply
Old 06-15-2022 | 01:46 PM
  #8  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

I kept the original oil lines. Water passages are all clear the best I can tell. I have transom pick ups, Sea strainers and Sea pumps. Impellers are both new and water pressure is around 12 psi on both engines when running. I have dry to the tip exhaust and both engines seem to be pumping water out fairly equally. Ignition timing is set up at 12° initial with 24° advance all in at 3000. I need to double check the total advance. I double checked the initial at 12 but have not double checked my total after it was on the lake. I had it set at 36° at 3200 RPM.
JAbsher is offline  
Reply
Old 06-15-2022 | 01:48 PM
  #9  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

I have velvet drive transmissions so my transmission coolers are the very first stop after the water pumps. I did check those to make sure there was no water obstruction there. Everything looked clear and clean. Oil coolers are both brand new. I almost suspect that the majority of the oil is not making it to the cooler. What could cause this???
JAbsher is offline  
Reply
Old 06-15-2022 | 02:03 PM
  #10  
F-2 Speedy's Avatar
Platinum Member
Community Builder
10 Year Member
Platinum Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 11,438
Likes: 3,968
From: Midwest & T-Rock
Default

how are the oil lines plumbed to the cooler, with the water flow or against
F-2 Speedy is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.