Merc outboard… Heat damage??…

[A-a-Ron]

Wondering if this is of any concern… 2023 Merc 250hp, 400 hours. All servicing up to date, no issues since new and has run great. Always flushed after and never stored in water, garage kept.

As the picture show, there is a white-ish discolouration on my leg, which will not wipe or scrub off (In the one pic, the red circle is what I’m referencing, the green circle is scum that easily wipes off). Is this some sort of heat damage or discolouration? Normal? It’s on both sides of the leg.

Not super concerned just wondering if anyone has insight, cheers.

 

[RELIC]

Wondering if this is of any concern… 2023 Merc 250hp, 400 hours. All servicing up to date, no issues since new and has run great. Always flushed after and never stored in water, garage kept.

As the picture show, there is a white-ish discolouration on my leg, which will not wipe or scrub off (In the one pic, the red circle is what I’m referencing, the green circle is scum that easily wipes off). Is this some sort of heat damage or discolouration? Normal? It’s on both sides of the leg.

Not super concerned just wondering if anyone has insight, cheers.

The three spots in the red circle kind of look like the paint is being eaten away by cavitation from the bump out in the leg housing in front of them.
Hard to tell from picture be you might be able to feel if the paint in being removed?

 

[Rain City]

The three spots in the red circle kind of look like the paint is being eaten away by cavitation from the bump out in the leg housing in front of them.
Hard to tell from picture be you might be able to feel if the paint in being removed?

That's what I was going to ask too, have you ever verified your engine mounting height while underway?

 

[Pineapple Express]

The three spots in the red circle kind of look like the paint is being eaten away by cavitation from the bump out in the leg housing in front of them.
Hard to tell from picture be you might be able to feel if the paint in being removed?

If that part of the leg is in the water when running then the motor is BURIED. I don't think that's the cause here.

I've read numerous reports over on THT of Mercury lower units having paint failure (seems that the paint isn't bonded to the primer coat). Merc does warranty those. Worth a call to the dealer where you bought the motor.

 

[A-a-Ron]

If that part of the leg is in the water when running then the motor is BURIED. I don't think that's the cause here.

I've read numerous reports over on THT of Mercury lower units having paint failure (seems that the paint isn't bonded to the primer coat). Merc does warranty those. Worth a call to the dealer where you bought the motor.

Yeah no it’s definitely not too low. My cav plate is about 1/2” above the bottom of my pod and it looks perfect when cruising… cav plate right at water level. That area with the spots is out of the water when cruising.

I will mention it at next service. I did at the 200 hr (when it started to show a bit) they said not to worry. Of course.

 

[Esperanza-time]

Wondering if this is of any concern… 2023 Merc 250hp, 400 hours. All servicing up to date, no issues since new and has run great. Always flushed after and never stored in water, garage kept.

As the picture show, there is a white-ish discolouration on my leg, which will not wipe or scrub off (In the one pic, the red circle is what I’m referencing, the green circle is scum that easily wipes off). Is this some sort of heat damage or discolouration? Normal? It’s on both sides of the leg.

Not super concerned just wondering if anyone has insight, cheers.

not just Merc, Suzi and Yamaha get it also, not always but often.
Been asking my dealer for a few years about it with zero answers.
Emailed Suzuki with pics attached, zero response as expected