Water ingestion on 340 Sundancer

[searay495]

I desperately need help. I have a 2002 340 Sundancer with Mercruiser motors. I have been told by a certified mechanic that both motors suffered water ingestion due to a faulty exhaust crossover. The angle is wrong. This has been documented in a BOAT US consumer protection article AND in a Mercruiser service bulletin (no. 2001-13). The mechanic contacted Mercruiser and they told him "too bad, it's out of warranty, and he's not the original owner." I purchased a Legacy extended warranty when I purchased the boat and their reply was "that's not covered." The motors are original with nothing done to them to have caused this problem. Am I wrong in thinking that it should be the same policy as when you buy a used car....if there is a recall, not matter who the owner is, the company fixes the problem? Any suggestion is greatly Appreciated

[mmcguire2002]

Keep pushing them...I'm not sure how they handle 2nd owners, versus original...but I do know that many people were denied their first time around and once they threatened legal action and pushed harder they recieved relief. This was a design error and they should be held responsible. Good luck.

[raffles]

I agree with mmcquire2002 that you should not let the issue drop. No is always the first answer. On my old boat I had an issue with my Mercruiser after the warranty ended and I had to make a repair that ultimately became a recall. When I received the recall notice I contacted Merc and asked for reimbursement. First answer was no. I then called Boat US consumer affairs for advice and they told me to make my request by email and to open copy them. Got a phone call within a week and they cut me a check.

Don’t give up – Try calling BoatU.S. Consumer Protection Bureau 703-461-2856 and ask their advice

Good luck

[searay495]

Thank

[searay495]

Thank you raffles and mmcquire2002. I will keep pushing them. Anyone else with this experience, or advise, please chime in.

[mmcguire2002]

There should be many...this became a known problem for this model and year. Many dealers and individuals managed to get engine replacements and a new riser configuration with a heat exchanger if I remeber correctly.