Optimax Air Compressor Questions

[marinetech77]

Today I recently diagnosed a destroyed air compressor on a Mercury Optimax. Piston skirt mostly gone,needle bearings gone. Tons of debris crushed up. The oil injection system on this motor pumps oil up to the compressor to lube it and then the SAME oil is passed on to the upper main crankshaft end bearing.The ground metal was found filling the line that goes directly to the crank bearing. We are in between a rock and a hard place here. Do you replace the 1000$ compressor and hope the motor isn't toast or can the whole thing. The motor is an 07 150hp that was running well with minimal issues before compressor went, always souned a little funny though. The job to disasseble the entire motor inspect and reassemble is not worth the time or money involved. We are upfront and honest with all our customers, some shops would sell the customer a 1000$ compressor and then a powerhead when it blows up a week later. Any thoughts or experience in this matter are appreciated. Mercury has got to have had a problem with this before??

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Optimax Air Compressor Questions

Compressor failure is not unheard of on the DFI engines, and I see more with sheared pulley bolts than failures and usually a reed chipped/broke in reed plate of compressor causes it to destruct. If it a good customer call Merc and see if you can get a goodwill repair or CPO powerhead for the customer...

 

[marinetech77]

Re: Optimax Air Compressor Questions

We are a small marina that services many makes and models. We are not a Merc dealer. The motor is out of warranty. This is a really good customer yearly slip holder, gives us all maint,paint,etc., who has been throwing money at this motor fairly regular for VST problems-fuel issues. I'm sure Merc will be getting a call but I doubt anything will be done. Just wondering what you would do in this situation. The motor is worth nothing not running. I think the solution is to fix the compressor and trade it on a new 4 stroke.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Optimax Air Compressor Questions

First get a account @ Promarine to save money on parts as they carry the compressors. I would explain in detail what/could happen to customer and suggest either: A) replace powerhead with reman and new compressor (B) replace compressor and install a 3.0L oil filter feeding upper brg cap and see what happens or (C) fix the compressor and trade it on a new 4 stroke.

 

[marinetech77]

Re: Optimax Air Compressor Questions

We have an account w/ Land-N-Sea for Mercruiser parts as well as most other marine suppliers, just no dealerships--so no factory training. Is pro marine priced better than Land-N-Sea? Could you fill me in on the 3.0L filter fix. the motor is also a 115hp. I was confused with an HPDI 150 that came in the day before witha blown head. thanks in advance