1993 Mercruiser 502 Silent Choice Air Pump
#12
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The Silent Choice is a pnuematic system. Leaks in the system are the problem. There are 2 cylinders, a relief valve, the pump, and a dozen or so fittings. All are prone to leaks. The system works fine when new but after several years the leaks start to plague you. As soon as you find a leak and fix it another pops up. The replacement parts for the system are outrageous also. The relief valve will leak and its like 80 bucks from Merc. Its about the size of a peanut! I can only imagine what a cylinder or pump would cost to replace. Being mechanically inclined I fought this system for years on my old boat. It was a frustrating experience.
You should look into a Corsa system. This system uses electric solinoids to move the valves. The system works instantly and will not leak down. I have even adapted this system to my new CMI diverter system which originaly used a punumatic system.
I have an old Merc pump that needs the relief valve and maybe other parts if you want it. I also have the new CMI pump which may be able to be used in your system with modification.
Heres a pic of my modified system.
Ron
Nevermind, posting a pic is too much of a pain in the ass now!
You should look into a Corsa system. This system uses electric solinoids to move the valves. The system works instantly and will not leak down. I have even adapted this system to my new CMI diverter system which originaly used a punumatic system.
I have an old Merc pump that needs the relief valve and maybe other parts if you want it. I also have the new CMI pump which may be able to be used in your system with modification.
Heres a pic of my modified system.
Ron
Nevermind, posting a pic is too much of a pain in the ass now!
Last edited by rjcardinal; 05-22-2004 at 08:56 AM.
#14
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rjcardinal is right. Lots of stuff to fail on the pneumatic system. A guy I know went through all kinds of chitt last summer with his, one thing after another. I have Imco Sound Advantage on mine. It's similar to the Corsa system but is fully adjustable for the amount of loud/quiet you want. Neat system.
#15
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Call Marc at Mercruiserparts.com. My system also has problems. He sent me an e-mail saying he has a cheaper part, comprossor. My relief valve, I think, is made by Gaffrig. FWIW, this is a stupid set-up! When you loose pressure the exhaust closes, it should be the other way around!
#16
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Massapequa,N.Y.
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Hi guys,
If you remove the relief valve, it can be taken apart, there is a small rubber o-ring
that dries out. For about .25 cents you can replace it using alittle grease. Alot
cheaper than 80.00 bucks. Important!! keep track on how many turns of the screw
or the nut it takes to come apart so when putting it back together psi relief stays
the same. If anyone has any other problems with this system, although I dont have
any parts, Ive kept this system running trouble free for 10 yrs and would be happy
to let you in on my secrets e-mail me KLEENSWEPT @ aol .com
If you remove the relief valve, it can be taken apart, there is a small rubber o-ring
that dries out. For about .25 cents you can replace it using alittle grease. Alot
cheaper than 80.00 bucks. Important!! keep track on how many turns of the screw
or the nut it takes to come apart so when putting it back together psi relief stays
the same. If anyone has any other problems with this system, although I dont have
any parts, Ive kept this system running trouble free for 10 yrs and would be happy
to let you in on my secrets e-mail me KLEENSWEPT @ aol .com
#19
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Cape Coral, Florida
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Thanks to all for your help. I bought the one off ebay, hope to have it running shortly. I'll give you an update once I am done with outcome.
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I have a Mercruiser Silent Choice Air Pump, in excellent condition, available for $100.00 plus shipping, if anyone needs one. Thanks, Ed