Optimax Repair Question

[jm_bullard]

I bought a 2004 150 Optimax a couple of months ago. The motor has 440 hours. I used the motor one time for about an hour on a test run in September after installation, and it ran perfectly. After running the boat for two years with the factory-installed Force motor, I was in heaven with this Optimax! I took it out fishing this past weekend, and after about 20 minutes of running it shut down. I got no warning horn or alarms on my Smart Craft gauges. My warning horn beeps on key turn,and my gauges are working. My mechanic informed me yesterday that I have a scorched #4 piston. Obviously, I am very unhappy with this situation.

My question is for you mechanics (or anyone who has had to make this repair). I was quoted a price of $3500 for re-boring and piston replacement, or $4900 for a new power head. Are these prices about what you would expect to pay for this repair? I am not a mechanic. I can handle small repairs, but this is way beyond what I would feel comfortable attempting. I may end up selling the entire boat as is, because I just invested $4000 in the motor, and I seriously doubt I can convince the Admiral to throw more money into this motor. At this point, I am pondering an investment in a couple of oars.

Thanks for any advice you may have!

 

[fedpo]

Re: Optimax Repair Question

Unfortunately, those prices sound about right. I'm having similar work done on a 2003 200 HP Merc (a simpler motor than yours) and the cost is about $2,500. I did as much of the "prep work" as I could to cut down on the mechanic fees. I removed everything I possibly could and I have all the parts lined-up in my garage. The mechanic is removing/replacing the piston and having work done on the cylinder. Once he replaces those parts, I will put the rest back. I was told I am saving the mechanic about 2-3 hours of labor at $75 per hour fees. I hope this helps!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Optimax Repair Question

Whoever does the work needs to also help you determine what caused the the failure in the first place. Piston failure is the "effect". You need to determine the "cause". Failure to do so will result in the same failure. My feelings are that you have a bad fuel injector as this can cause a lean condition which results in piston failure. Lubrication failure can also cause this but it generally doesn't affect just one cylinder.

 

[Jeff_G]

Re: Optimax Repair Question

I bought a 2004 150 Optimax a couple of months ago. The motor has 440 hours. I used the motor one time for about an hour on a test run in September after installation, and it ran perfectly. After running the boat for two years with the factory-installed Force motor, I was in heaven with this Optimax! I took it out fishing this past weekend, and after about 20 minutes of running it shut down. I got no warning horn or alarms on my Smart Craft gauges. My warning horn beeps on key turn,and my gauges are working. My mechanic informed me yesterday that I have a scorched #4 piston. Obviously, I am very unhappy with this situation.

My question is for you mechanics (or anyone who has had to make this repair). I was quoted a price of $3500 for re-boring and piston replacement, or $4900 for a new power head. Are these prices about what you would expect to pay for this repair? I am not a mechanic. I can handle small repairs, but this is way beyond what I would feel comfortable attempting. I may end up selling the entire boat as is, because I just invested $4000 in the motor, and I seriously doubt I can convince the Admiral to throw more money into this motor. At this point, I am pondering an investment in a couple of oars.

Thanks for any advice you may have!

I would need to see a detailed work order to speculate but Mercury has a flat rate of 12 hours for a major rebuild. I can tell you add 50% to that figure. Even at lets say 20 hours @$75 per is $1500 in labor plus parts. I can't see $2000 in parts.
Call around to some other dealers and get at least 3 estimates. Be very careful that if you use an independent shop he is qualified and has the proper tools to work on the engine.

Man I wish I could charge these prices! Wanna bring the boat to SC?

 

[Jeff_G]

Re: Optimax Repair Question

Unfortunately, those prices sound about right. I'm having similar work done on a 2003 200 HP Merc (a simpler motor than yours) and the cost is about $2,500. I did as much of the "prep work" as I could to cut down on the mechanic fees. I removed everything I possibly could and I have all the parts lined-up in my garage. The mechanic is removing/replacing the piston and having work done on the cylinder. Once he replaces those parts, I will put the rest back. I was told I am saving the mechanic about 2-3 hours of labor at $75 per hour fees. I hope this helps!

Be careful of doing any work yourself! The reason I am saying this is you could be assuming all the risk if something happens to the engine. In my shop I will not warranty anything if the customer does their own labor. Too many things can be screwed up by not doing the proper testing, break in, and adjustments.
If the engine "blows" again will he warranty the failure?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Optimax Repair Question

As Silvertip said find what caused failure or it will happen again. The Opti is bad about the air compressor failing and dumping trash in the oil lines, thats another $1500 if bad.

 

[jm_bullard]

Re: Optimax Repair Question

Thanks for the replies, guys! My mechanic said he suspected a fuel injector failure, but without tearing into the engine more, he can't be sure. I am going to have to sit on it for a while, it looks like. I spent my "mad money" on the motor, and it is going to take a while to save up for the repair. The previous owner has an extended warranty on the motor, but I have not yet received the paperwork back from them. They gave him a hard time over the other motor (he had twins; one went bad,and I bought the other after he re-powered). I imagine they will deny my claim, as I have not yet received their paperwork.