Visit The MER Booth At Pacific Marine Expo

Don’t Miss the MER Booth at Pacific Marine Expo!
Stop in to our store at 338 W Nickerson St. in Seattle to get your free tickets. Call ahead and we’ll take you through our facility, where you will see how MER Motor Starting Generators, and MER propulsion packages engine packages are built. Our fuel efficient MER motor-starting generators save maintenance dollars because they make your electric motors last longer.
The tour will start in the sales office where our technical sales team fields calls and then perform the application engineering that MER does better than anyone else. From there we’ll walk through our showroom full of engines-often over 25 of them. From there we’ll go into the shop and the receiving bay, where new engines, generators and transmissions arrive for their first inspection.

Next, it is through the assembly area where our technicians build it like you need it. Then on to the welding area where Ron and Tyler design and build the best mounting systems and PTO accessories in the business, and on to the paint booth. Finally, it’s out to the test area, where every engine and generator set is tested before leaving MER.
The MER booth at Pacific Marine Expo this year will feature our John Deere and Isuzu generator sets, especially built for better motor starting such as are needed with marine refrigeration systems. Propulsion engines at the show will include Deere and Isuzu marine engines and generators, all of the way up to 505 HP.  We will have Sales Engineering staff to answer your technical questions on our product lines.

The Haldex Engine Driven, Drive-through Air Compressor

Need lots of clean, dry compressed air on the boat? Take a look at the Haldex engine driven air compressors we have on the John Deere Line. These compressors are what’s called “drive-through” meaning that additional accessories can be mounted on the back of the air compressor. This is very handy for driving hydraulic or steering pumps.

Among the new products developed in-house this year, are the DIESEL PRIME Electric fuel priming system, and the MER-Engine and Transmission combination Pre-luber and oil change pump. We will have Power-Take-Offs by Logan Clutch, engine control panels and instrumentation by Murphy.
This year we will also be giving away a brand new 50’s vintage John Deere bicycle. This bike will remind you of your newspaper route!

We Will Be Giving Away A New 50's Vintage John Deere Bicycle At PME

Finally, we have a NEWS ALERT: Yanmar Marine has given a commercial rating to several pieces of iron this year; the 350 and 400 series, as well as the mighty 315 HP turbocharged and after-cooled inline six!

DURABILITY AND EFFICIENCY ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER!
This is the most challenging economy most of us have faced. There are fewer dollars available, so it’s time to take a look at how to save precious operating dollars:
Follow along on the above illustration, starting at the top and working in a clockwise direction.
MER Heat Shields-Neither high tech or expensive, we add intake heat shields where needed, to minimize heat transfer into the intake air supply. Result: Better fuel efficiency.
Better Filtration-Our engines are equipped with either dual-element, or cleanable, low restriction air filters. Our new intake air silencer will make life on the boat much more comfortable. Result: Better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance cost.
Safety Systems-Our engines are so smart that they know when to sound an alarm, derate, or even stop to prevent engine damage. Result: Saves replacing your engine at half-life due, for example, to a failed coolant hose.
Belt Tensioners-Our belt tensioners keep the alternator, coolant pump and accessories turning like they should. Result: Saves replacing a good alternator due to belt slippage.
Lube Systems-Our engine pre-lube pump fully lubricates the engine (or transmission) before you start it up. This saves engines wear. Our system is valved to to also pump out old engine oil at oil change time. Result: Engines last longer and are easier to maintain. You will never have to worry again about whether or not the crew tightened the drain plug!
Custom PTOs-Our pto drives provide powerful and flexible options for running your accessories. Auxilliary drives off the engine are also available. Result: No vibration or clutch slippage, just trouble-free and productive time on the water.
Anti-Corrosion Strategies-Deere Extended Life Coolant, and Pen Ray Need-Release coolant conditioners stop electrical activity in the engine cooling system. Result: Your engine will last longer.
Magnetic Filters-Our Fuzz-Buster transmission filters grab and hold the small metal paticles that wear-out your transmission. Result: Longer and more dependable transmission life.
Fuel Priming Systems-The MER Diesel Prime system makes fuel filter changes and start-up easier and faster. Result: No more “grinding” on the starter motor to prime the fuel system.
Custom Engine, Transmission, and Generator Mounts-Our mount kits enable you to mount any equipment in a secure, vibration-free manner. Results: Provides for easy alignment and very quiet operation.
Compressed Air Systems-Our direct coupled engine-driven compressors supply large amounts of compressed air at a pressure of 120 psi. The compressors are “drive-thru”, meaning that additional accessories can be driven off the back of the air compressor. Result: No noisy electric air compressor on-board.
Exhaust Systems-Cowl and EM exhaust silencers, when coupled to high quality flex assemblies, provide quiet performance that lasts. Result: Lower over all maintenance cost.

Figure 1 The Final Welded Mount Foot Fits Perfectly

 Call Gary, Norm, or Brian at 800-777-0714 To Order Yours

Weld-up mounting feet are available from MER to
make engine, transmission, and generator mounting
much faster and easier.
The finished product, seen below, works with your
existing mount holes on the engine block or
transmission, to properly place the slotted plate, and
provide a place for the adjustable mount to fit beneath.

Figure 2 The Vertical Plate Can Be Turned Over If Need For Your Aplication

 To get to this point, suspend your engine,
transmission, or generator from a hoist or block  it safely in the position needed.

Next lay out the MER pieces as shown, and be sure to leave .5″ of threads below the slotted plate, to allow for later adjustment of the mount itself. Tack weld them, and do a careful trial fit, making any needed adjustments before the final welding.

Figure 3 Be Sure to Leave 1/2" of Adjustment Below the Slotted Plate For Later Adjustment

The New Deere 4045 Common-rail Diesel Engine

THE DEERE 4045 HAS GONE COMMON-RAIL!
Further increasing power, while reducing exhaust emissions.
Speaking of low emissions-visit our new emission retrofits page to learn how to improve the air quality in your neighborhood. Meet air quality standards with older equipment by retro-fitting your equipment. 
Retrofitting after-treatment equipment will often reduce emissions of Hydrocarbon, Carbon Monoxide, and Particulate Matter by 70-90% and more.
Indoor forklifts, underground mining equipment, and drill rig engines must now meet State and Federal Air Quality Standards. MER can bring your equipment into compliance.

To Continue Touring the MER Web Site, just click: http://www.merequipment.com/ to begin a quick tour of our web resources. To reach us, just dial 800-777-0714.
…next notice the 6 red buttons across the top of the home page:
ABOUT US tells who we are and provides a brief history of the company. Most important, is the innocent looking e-mail link at the bottom of the page: info@merequipment.com
This link is monitored by company President, Bob Allen. You will get action!
CONTACT US puts you in touch with our parts and service departments-24 hours a day.
FAQ is an ever expanding collection of topics that will save you operating cost and make your equipment more efficient. Want to suggest a topic? Well, just send a message to Bob, via info@merequipment, and it will happen.
WHAT’S NEW showcases new products and also provides a list of links to popular product brochures.
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES is another sleeper, that may not look earth-shaking from the outside. However, clicking on this link takes you to the archive of our electronic newsletters. What’s more, at the top on the right side there is a text box titled “Check Out Our Blog!
All three of the links here take you to our BLOG  ( http://merpower.wordpress.com ) where you will find extensive resources to keep your equipment running strong.
SITE MAP takes you to a large collection of internal links that work like a speed-dialer, to quickly get you to the right information.
So, have a “click-fest”, look around, and let us know what you think!

The MER Heat Shield Aids Engine Efficiency

VISIT THE NEW EMISSION RETROFIT PAGE TO SEE OUR LATEST UPGRADES.

To Tour the MER Web Site, just click: 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. 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.

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.

 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.

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 Aluminum Case Transmission Last Longer

The MER Fuzz-Buster Magnet, for aluminum case transmissions, 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.

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…