Mercury Optimax mechanical question

[Tarheelrebel]

If you were NOT a specialized mechanic with experience working on a Mercury Optimax, or even in general an experienced marine engine mechanic, and you purchased a used ten year old Optimax 150 (1999) with under 700 run time hours by the DDT that had not been run in at least a year (other than a test start) and the seller advised you to take it to a boat mechanic for a general tune up before using it, what would YOU do? Would you consider buying a generic guide book (like a Chilton's) to rig and install it (and purchase a used extension harness from somebody else) and then begin to troubleshoot it (with things like a basic voltage/ohm meter, cylinder pressure gauge and fuel system pressure tester) ? Please be specific and state your credentials and/or experience. Thanks!

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Mercury Optimax mechanical question

You will need a used DDT or laptop with Merc software to check codes and sensors and this engine is not consumer friendly when it comes to self repairs and parts are high(compressor is $900/air injector is $350each) The 98/99 did have some powerhead problems (Opti-pop nickname) but infield updates and replacements powerheads fixed most of this. If it was me I would pass unless you can get it cheeeeeeeap!(under $1500)...just my $.02

 

[EsoxRanger]

Re: Mercury Optimax mechanical question

Run like hell isn't an option in your poll. I had an opti, was the origonal purchaser, To put it bluntly, I got raped by Mercury. Repeatedly. Mercury was considerably less than forthcoming, sympathetic or cooperative. After three powerheads I gave up on my new supermotor and sold it for pennies on the dollar to a buddy. After a short while he gave up on it too, sold it. All this in under three years on a brand new motor. The last black motor I will ever buy.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Mercury Optimax mechanical question

Since 03 the Optibombs have had a pretty good record. Before that it was pretty ugly. A used 10 year old engine with 700 hours would not be an engine that would inspire a lot of confidence and as "Faztbullet" indicate, its not an engine for the backyard mechanic to play with.