http://www.merequipment.com/ June 13, 2009

MER Flies Techs And Parts To Remote Areas!

 

Click on the MER Web Site at: http://www.merequipment.com/ to begin a quick tour of our web resources. To reach us, just dial 800-777-0714.
Down the left hand side of  MER’s Home Page you will find seventeen buttons, most of which are self explanatory. Down near the bottom of the list though, there are new buttons that we’ll introduce today:
TRANSMISSION DRIVE PLATES-Push this button if you are replacing your transmision and need a new drive plate. Then, once the page comes up, click on the brochure to read the ultimate drive plate resource. Just select the one you need and call MER to order. Notice the extra info on how to tell which SAE size flywheel housing you have!
USED AND SURPLUS EQUIPMENT-This is the page to find those peculiar items that only the most serious commercial fishermen will need. Have something to consign? Tranny, engine, extra propeller shaft, or even a generator set? Let us know, we’ll add it to the next brochure.
INSTRUMENT PANELS-Our Service Manager, Herb Knight, thought of this one and asked for a listing of all the standard and custom panels we handle. Just click on the brochure to see our listing. Do you know of a panel we should offer? Call Gary or Norm at 800-777-0714 and ask for a quote.
SERVICE CHECKLIST-Our Service Advisor, Stevie Schmidt designed this form to help our customers prepare for each season and enjoy maximum equipment up-time. Click on the list to print yours.
OUR NEWSLETTER-Click here to view our archive of “Industry-Best” technical resources. Let us know what other topics you would like to see in future electronic newsletters. E-mail stevie@merequipment, to get on our electronic newsletter list.
Thankyou for taking the tour! Please send your suggestions to: ben@merequipment.com.

Calibrating The Engine Oil Dipstick June 3, 2009

When engines (and transmissions) are installed at an angle, the oil pan’s oil-level changes, front-to-back. If operated at extreme angles without re-marking the dipstick, the engine can fail, due to lubricating oil starvation.

This is because, without re-marking the oil level will appear way too high. If the excess oil is then drained down to the full mark, the engine will be running low on oil! High speed engines change all of the oil in the pan every 10-15 seconds. If you’re running with less oil than needed, the oil gets a severe workout and will not last the full oil-change interval. What’s more, running a low oil level may actually starve the engine for lube oil.

Each manufacturer knows how much an engine can be angled before the oil level gets too close to the rear oil seal. If the oil level gets above the oil seal, the seal will fails. Engine makers publish their maximum installation angle guidelines, and these specifications vary widely between engine models. It is to your advantage to verify the installation angle of your engine, and proper marking of the dipstick.

However, after the engine is installed,the next step is to re-mark the dipstick. To do this, always review the engine makers directions for re-marking the dipstick!

Then, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, continue by warming up the engine to be sure all internal passages and the filter, are full of oil. Next, drain the oil from the engine, leaving the oil filter un-disturbed. Now, refill with the factory specified amount of oil, minus the amount in the oil lines and filter. MER Service Manager, Herb Knight stresses the importance of taking into account the volume of oil the filter and oil lines hold, especially if using a remote oil filter. Subtract this amount from the amount of oil poured back into the engine.

Make note of exactly where the new “Full” mark must be, and for composite dipsticks like the one shown here, file a shallow ring all the way around the stick, to make the new mark. For steel dipsticks however, lightly file the new “Full” level mark across both sides of the stick, above the old mark.

For all dipsticks, finding the new “Add” mark is obtained by measuring the distance between the original “Full” and “Add” marks.Finally, make the new “Add” mark the same distance below the new “Full” mark.

MER sells John Deere Oil and Filters, as well as a complete line of filters for all engines.

Spring 2009-Time To Tune It Up! April 21, 2009

Upcoming Summer Season and Fall 2009 Events March 5, 2009

 

 The MER-Alaska Service Program-MER has always supported Alaskan fisherman with replacement parts and technical support, now we are expanding our effort to include an on site technician for your 2009 pre and post season needs.

MER has also increased our online support capability by expanding our website, and our blog, “Survival Fridays”.

“Survival Fridays” is a regular blog “broadcast” that will soon complete its first year of technical support for our customers. Better support lowers your cost of operation: http://merpower.wordpress.com

 Introducing Karl Pettersen – Bristol Bay/MER Tech - Karl is a graduate of UTI Technical College in Arizona and has specific factory training from John Deere and Yanmar. Karl will be at the helm of the F.V. Arctic Osprey, in Bristol Bay from June 17th through July 20th, but will be available for service-both before and after. Contact Stevie by email (stevie@merequipment.com) to schedule your service work, or a re-power with a Deere, Isuzu or Yanmar.

Let MER show you how installing a 6.5 or 12KW Isuzu Genset can pay for itself in fuel savings. The 12KW uses only .5 gallon per hour. Avoid running your main just to keep the RSW powered up. Our Cowl and EM Silencers will make it whisper.

Introducing Stevie Schmidt — Parts and Service Professional – Stevie has been in this industry for over 20 years, and has done everything from tying long line black cod gear to selling parts. For the last 3 years, Stevie has done an excellent job as our Service Writer and Field Service Coordinator. Stevie started our coolant system preventive maintenance program: Ask her how to reduce your maintenance and repair costs.

Please give her a call at 800-777-0714 to get parts moving for your bristol bay order, or to schedule Karl to visit your boat.

MER Marine Service Training- Classes will cover topics that will reduce your maintenance costs while making the boat safer:

In an expanding effort to meet our customer’s needs, the MER service department is pleased and excited to introduce our engine maintenance training classes.

Beginning this Spring and carrying on throughout the year, MER will be conducting engine specific maintenance classes geared toward amatuers, do it yourselfers, and professional maintenance staff.

Classes will be available for John Deere, Isuzu, and Yanmar, as well as Kanzaki and Hurth gearboxes. Please e-mail stevie@merequipment.com for times and dates of classes on your specific engine and a copy of the syllabus.

We will cover such topics as fuel system maintenance, cooling system maintenance-both fresh and raw water, electrical system diagnostics and repair, and basic engine maintenance.  

Our Spring Special-includes a 10% discount on all parts and labor, when we change the oil and fuel filters, change oil, check zincs, adjust the valves and do a cooling system inspection. This special includes a 63 point inspection of the boat’s marine power system. The list of inspected items is available from http://www.merequipment.com/49948/MER-Service-Checklist.html.

 

MER Fuzz-Buster/ZF-80 Transmission Service February 27, 2009

Use The MER Fuzz-Buster Magnet To Extend Transmission LIfe

 MakingHappy Customers

Is it OK to brag just a little bit about MER’s famous service!?  The short piece that follows explains how our customers feel about our service:
Dear Stevie ,
Thank you so much for your expeditious help with and handling of my KBW10 transmission needs. I was more than a little depressed when I had to come to Seattle yesterday to pick up the unit; not knowing what to do nor where to go for straight answers and a solution. Thanks to the internet for information/location regarding MER… and after stopping by and meeting you all … the cloud of uncertainty was lifted…and now the solution is at hand. I was impressed with the people at MER and I enjoyed meeting you in particular. Everyone was friendly and seemed genuinely interested in helping me with my problem…all qualities of a progressive and successful business. Thanks for being there for me and for your careful and efficient handling; I’ll look forward to seeing you again when I pick up the old core and the new transmission.
Best regards,
Maury Hafford
 

Making Your Transmission Last Longer

 

The MER Fuzz-Buster Magnet sits on top of the regular filter. As the transmission runs, thousands of gallons of oil flow through the magnetic field that is projecting through the stream of oil.

 

For a quick visual check of the transmission condition before a trip, just lift the filter lid and shine a light on the magnet. If it’s clear of metal particles, you are ready to travel.

 

However, if there is over 1/2 thimble full of metal fuzz on the magnet, you better have it checked. To service your transmission and get started with a Fuzz-Buster, follow these instructions:

 

ZF-80 Transmission Filter Service

1-Using a 6MM allen wrench, turn the screw counter clockwise to remove the oil filter lid (1).

 

2-Lift the old filter (2), from its position.

 

3-Place the MER Fuzz-Buster Magnet (3) on top of the new filter, taking care to center it on the new filter.

 

4-Replace both oil seal o-rings (4 & 5), and re-assemble.

 

Changing The Oil

If there is a drain plug it will be at the bottom of the transmission, at the rear, just under the output shaft  flange.

 

1-Remove the drain plug and drain the oil into a waste container.

 

2-It is a good habit to hold the drain plug in your hand until it is replaced in the drain hole and tightened.

 

3-Refill the transmission with Dextron 2 transmission oil-this is a red oil. Run the engine and check for leaks, and re-check the oil level again.

 

However, not all transmissions have a drain plug. If yours doesn’t, use a suction pump to remove the old oil. These pumps are available through MER Parts.

 

1-Remove the dipstick.

 

2-Insert the suction pump tube to the bottom of the transmission, through the dipstick hole.

 

3-Pump all of the old oil into a waste container.

 

4-Refill the transmission.

 

5-Run the engine and check for leaks.

We Are Looking Forward To “2009″! December 29, 2008

It’s time to bring everyone up to date and also think about the New Year at MER Equipment! 

Chris Clonch has joined the MER Sales Department and is now working closely with General Manager Mike Hoyt and Sales Manager Dave Walker. Tiffany Condon has joined accounting where she and Kathy Hoyt are keeping the books up to date.

Mike Hoyt, our GM, celebrated his 65th birthday this year and is retiring in ”09″ after 24 years with MER.  His lovely wife Kathy has only been with us for 18 years but she said if Mike isn’t going to work anymore, “I’m not either”  Kathy and Mike are firing up the motor home and taking off to see the world.  We will miss them both, but they have promised to keep in touch.

You will notice as you read this article, that we have put a huge effort into our web log-SURVIVAL FRIDAYS. It’s for you!  Let us hear from you and tell us what you’d like to see covered.

Shawn Fox and Andrew Scott have recently joined the production and fabricating teams. They move back and forth from production to fabricating as needed. 

And speaking of welding, Tyler and Ron have recently added a new heavy-duty Miller AC or DC TIG welding machine to the shop, as well as constructing a larger, second welding area ventilation and air exhaust system, complete with a variable-speed fan to pull welding smoke and fumes from the new curtained welding hood.  Ron and Tyler also design and build one-off items such as marine manifolds for the old Pisces Marine Engines, as needed. If they don’t happen to have a template for your cracked or corroded marine manifold-just bring yours in to get a firm quote on a custom MER replacement manifold.

Besides regular production, we have been developing a number of great new products that  will make your marine equipment last longer and cost less.

 First up is the MER Fuzz-Buster transmission magnet system for the small ZF (formerly Hurth) transmissions. The Fuzz-Buster resides on top of the transmission fluid filter and collects any steel particles that are normally circulating in the transmission fluid. This filter improvement will extend transmission life.  Abrasive particles generate more particles as the transmission works, the quicker they are removed from the fluid, the less wear on gear surfaces. We are excited about the Fuzz-Buster because it gives you a quick visual check of your transmission.  Just remove the lid from the filter cavity to inspect for “Fuzz”.  Don’t see any Fuzz, you’re in great shape to run up the coast over the July 4 holiday!  If you do spot more fuzz than seems normal, It’s an early indicator of a larger problem.  A quick call to MER Service Manager Herb Knight, and he will ask Stevie to schedule Bobby or Karl to inspect your transmission & shifting linkage.  The Fuzz-Buster is an visual early-warning to avoid a premature transmission failure.  

Next is the MER Accu-Luber, which does two very important things to extend the life of your engine, or pressure lubricated transmission. The Accu-Luber has a pre-luber function that lubes your engine before every start with filtered oil. This reduces engine wear dramatically by floating metal surfaces on a film of oil before the starter motor engages. Second, the Accu-Luber is an accumulator, similar to those used in racing applications. It holds reserve oil and pumps filtered engine oil into the main oil galley if there is ever a pressure drop in the lube system. Think of it as an easy way to have a larger oil pan.

We designed the Accu-Luber to pre-lubricate metal surfaces before start up, and work as an accumulator with filtered oil. We don’t know of any other pre-lubers on the market that use filtered oil in such an ingenious fashion. Since 90% of the wear on engine bearing surfaces takes place in the first 30 seconds of engine start, we are confident the Accu-Luber will yield dramatic improvements to engine life expectancy.

Ever have a hard time priming your fuel system?  We have found that many of the new HPCR electronic engines can be difficult to prime and restart after running out of fuel or developing air leaks in the fuel delivery system. With a solution in mind we designed and built the MER Diesel-Prime  system making it a breeze to re-prime the fuel system after changing fuel filters, or quickly prime and remove all air from the system after running a tank dry or developing an air leak in the fuel delivery system.  Like the Accu-Luber, the Diesel Prime system is plate mounted for convenient on engine, or remote installation.

Watch for more new products in MER development!  We are currently working on a New Engine Intake Silencer design that will drastically reduce turbo intake whine & make life on your boat much more pleasant.

We’re also developing a Magnetic Filter  to protect, and extend the life of speed sensors, and magnetic pick-ups!  This will enhance the trouble-free operation of your electronic engine.

Keep in touch…

John Deere Press Release-New 6090 Marine Diesel November 17, 2008

John Deere Power Systems Launches The New PowerTech 6090SFM75 Marine Diesel Engine

WATERLOO, Iowa (October 28, 2008) —– John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) is pleased to announce its newest marine engine will be on display at the 2008 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show October 30 to November 3.  The PowerTech™ 6090SFM75 marine diesel engine is the newest addition to the John Deere lineup and boasts up to 373 kW (500 hp).

John Deere will have three other diesel engines on display at the show: the PowerTech 4045TFM75, 6081AFM75 and 6125SFM75. All of these engines meet EPA Tier 2 and EU emissions requirements and are MARPOL Annex VI compliant.

“John Deere continues to expand the marine engine lineup with more new models and higher horsepower ratings,” said Dave Flaherty, marine marketing manager for John Deere Power Systems. “We designed the new 6090SFM75 to provide high power output from a compact engine while maintaining the legendary long-term reliability our customers have come to expect from John Deere marine engines. These engines live up to the reputation our marine products have earned for rugged durability, fuel economy, quiet operation and ease of maintenance.”

The new PowerTech 6090SFM75 has 9.0L of displacement and offers up to 373 kW (500 hp). The 6090SFM75 is a six-cylinder, electronically controlled, turbocharged and air-to-sea water aftercooled marine engine with side or front service locations. And with high torque at low-rated speeds, customers enjoy excellent vessel control and maneuvering.
Product highlights:
* The PowerTech 4045TFM75 has 4.5L of displacement and offers 101 kW (135 hp). The 4045TFM75 is a  four-cylinder, turbocharged marine engine.
* The PowerTech 6081AFM75 has 8.1L of displacement and offers up to 280 kW (375 hp). The 6081AFM75 is a six-cylinder, turbocharged and air-to-engine coolant aftercooled marine engine.
* The PowerTech 6125SFM75 has 12.5L of displacement and provides 455 kW (610 hp). It is the most powerful engine manufactured by John Deere. It is a six-cylinder, electronically controlled, turbocharged and air-to-sea water aftercooled marine engine.

All of these engines are excellent choices for cruisers, trawler yachts, houseboats and other recreational applications. John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) manufactures and markets 30 kW to 448 kW (40 hp to 600 hp) industrial diesel engines and 56 kW to 455 kW (75 hp to 610 hp) marine diesel engines, as well as drivetrain components for use in a variety of off-highway applications. JDPS can be contacted at 1-800-JD-ENGINE (1-800-533-6446), or via e-mail at jdpower@JohnDeere.com. Information about the full line of JDPS engines and drivetrain components can be accessed at www.JohnDeere.com/jdpower.

John Deere (Deere & Company — NYSE: DE) is the world’s leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.

Deere also continues to offer a full line of heavy duty marine engines for the commercial fleet, all of which are in stock and available through MER.

The Motor Yacht Sarah Elizabeth Banks October 8, 2008

MY Sarah Elizabeth Banks

Malcolm Harker’s 60′ Motor Yacht (MY) Sarah Elizabeth Banks, named for his wife Sarah, began life in 1906 as a steam powered, fire-fighting “river-watch” boat in Sunderland, England.
First named the Steam Ship (SS) Fire King, the riveted hull vessel was assigned to combined fire watch and police duty.

The SS Fire King

Malcolm’s Grandfather, FT Harker founded  the family business in 1878 in England, and began designing and producing steam engines. He and later his three sons continued building their steam engines up until 1950, and in later years built heavy machinery under contract.
However, in the early 1900’s steam engine builders specified the hulls into which their steam engines went. This resulted in the  company commissioning the building of the Fire King to fill the contract for the fire watch boat and then powering of the boat with a pair of their own steam engines.
The vessel originally carried 8 tons of water and 2 tons of coal. Rough estimates show this amount of coal was “topped-off” regularly to keep the boat able to maneuver and pump water for a forty-eight hour period, should a large fire occur.

It is interesting to note that historical records show the price of coal that year in Seattle was was $5-6 per ton. The same records show the average miner (in an open pit setting) could mine and load 2.67 tons of coal per day!

Original Style Harker Steam Engine With Faux Boiler

The original pair of Harker steam engines turned  twin 4′  bronze propellers and probably pushed the boat at between 5-7 knots. Malcolm estimates that each of the original steam engines could have produced 35-40 horsepower.
Today it is hard to imagine spinning four-foot diameter propellers with so little horsepower-and yet, this example illustrates one tremendous advantage of steam power: That is, the maximum torque produce by a steam engine occurs at stall, or zero RPM, and rapidly falls off as the speed increases.
The S.S. Fire King and its sister vessel the S.S. Fire Queen remained in service for over fifty years, after which the Queen was scrapped. The King however, was left derelict for over twenty years before being purchased and converted to a live-aboard with a large sailing rig. Even later it was fitted with twin WWII vintage 6-71 Detroit Diesel Gray Marine engines.
In due time Malcolm discovered the boat, and decided to refurbish and re-power the boat as a sea worthy live-aboard. Later, to his surprise he discovered the original drawings his Grandfather had done when designing the vessel!
He began by removing all old equipment and spent many hours cleaning the boat. The two new John Deere 4045 Marine Diesels were supplied by MER Equipment and the installation along with other extensive upgrades were done by Townsend Bay Marine.
Malcolm found a similar, and slightly smaller Harker steam engine for historical display purposes and bolted it down in the forward part of the boat on the lower level.
Looking from the front of the steam engine, there appears to be a beautiful stainless steel boiler behind the engine. It’s surprising though, as you walk back through the boats lower level, to turn around and find the boiler is really a cleverly disguised  “head”, complete with a shower!
In the stern, on the lower level you pass through a seeming time warp, cleverly disguised as hatch door: Stepping through the hatch takes you through a hundred years of time and into a modern, gleaming white  engine room, complete with the two new John Deere Powertech 4045 diesel engines.

The Engine Room

And how do the new John Deere Diesels look compared to the original Harker Steam Engines?

In just a few words: Cool, clean, quiet and convenient!

Note:
Calculation assuming the S.S. Fire King used medium quality coal with a BTU rating (British Thermal Units of heat content) of 6000 BTU per pound:
2000 pounds X 6000 BTU per pound = 12,000,000 BTU of heat energy on the vessel with a full load of coal.

Depending on the BTU of the coal used, it appears that 2000 pounds of coal has less energy than 90 gallons of No.2 diesel fuel!

The M.V. Troll September 16, 2008

“Indy 500 Pit Crew”

That that is how C.A. “Cappy” Putz referred to the MER service department when he pulled his boat into our park lot.  Two MER technicians climbed aboard, tools in hand to get Cappy’s Yanmar 4LH DTE back into running order. Cappy had called three weeks earlier and said a friend had removed the valve cover and found a broken push rod.  He made an appointment, and then towed the M/V Troll from Molt Montana to Seattle for repairs.

The crew of two dived into the small engine room and in record time had the head sitting on a bench in our shop.  It was determined the number one exhaust valve had stuck in the guide.  No other damage was found.  The head was repaired, reinstalled with a successful sea trial.

Cappy travels the water ways from Florida to Alaska selling hand made bowls from the M/V Troll.  Cappy has been making wooden bowls from wet wood and burl mainly from Wyoming and Montana, for the past 20 years.  He says “if you can find a job you really love, you never have to work again.  Lucky me!”  The license plate on his silver truck is “BOWLMAN”.   Each piece is a handmade, signed branded and very usable original art form.  He begins with wet wood and burls.  The bowl is rough turned and let dry for 6 months to a year.  “During this time the wood relaxes into the shape of a bowl, then the wood wants to be a bowl” says Cappy.  The bowls are 100% guaranteed.  They are made for usin’, wash em, don’t soak um, wax or oil em once in a while and you bowl will live for generations.

It was MER’s pleasure to help get Cappy back on the open seas.  It gives a great feeling when you can see a customer who loves his life style on his boat sail away with wave and a smile. If you see the green hulled “Troll” cruising down the water way, wave him over.  Cappy will give you his big western smile and gladly show you his bowls.  You won’t be disappointed. If you want to contact Cappy, he can be reached at:

C.A. “Cappy” Putz, 13330 Canyon Creek Road, Molt, Montana, 59057. 406-628-218, montanawildwood@wildblue.com

Cappy…Thank you for your business and an interesting time. Happy motoring.
MER Service Manager-Herb Knight

Cappy Putz

New Iron-The Beagle Brothers! September 6, 2008

MER Beagle 45 Keel-cooled Generator Set

The MER Beagle 45 marine diesel generator has a crankcase vent (CCV) system, shown on the right side here. The system returns oil droplets to the oil pan and vents only dry air. Toward the lower LH view of the photo is the oil drain pump that enables quick and clean removal of the oil when it is time for the oil change.

MER Beagle 45 Keel-cooled Generator

The left side of the unit houses the jacketed exhaust system, starter, turbo outlet, and the remote mounted spin-on oil filter. Notice also, the Murphy coolant level alarm switch.

The serpentine belt on the front drives both the alternator and the coolant pump, and is covered by a sturdy belt guard. Like the yellow skid shown, it is manufactured by MER.

MER Beagle 27 Keel-cooled Left Hand Side

Powered by the John Deere 4024 turbo diesel 4 cylinder, the Beagle 27 is more compact than most engines in this power rating.

MER Beagle 27 Keel-cooled Right Hand Side