98 Mercury 150 Optimax

[XoDiViAoX]

Hi Guys,

I'm going to look at a boat with a 98 Mercury 150 Optimax. The person that owns the boat tells me that it takes 6 - 7 cranks for the motor to start since it's carbureted, but after that it starts fine the rest of your trip.

Can anyone confirm if this is normal for these engines, or if this could be an issue? I'm going to check compression on engine.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Shawnmm]

The optimax engines are direct injected. If it is an actual optimax, it should start right off on a fresh battery. If it doesn't start right off but stays fine the rest of the day it probably just needs some maintenace. If it is a carb motor it is a little less worrisome but should not be a big deal either.

 

[Ant-Knee]

I have a 98 merc 150 carbed,
I pump the primer bulb, Push the choke in a couple of times.. On the 3rd or 4th crank she starts...
And runs great for the rest of the day...


Good Luck
Ant...