Optimax Thoughts?

[jasoutside]

I've been looking for a nice OB in the 150 HP range and came across this:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/1593272122.html

I talked to the fella and he says that he picked this up from a marina. They apparently needed that oil pump so pilfered it off this Opti. What do you guys think? He says that compression was at about 90ish on all cylinders. Good deal or run away? My gut seems to tell me to find something else.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

RUN.......if you didn't understand that english.....HAUL *** IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. If you don't understand that, you are determining your own future and I have nothing to do with it......min compression on Mercs is 120 psi. All I am going to say.

Mark

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

RUN.......if you didn't understand that english.....HAUL *** IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. If you don't understand that, you are determining your own future and I have nothing to do with it......min compression on Mercs is 120 psi. All I am going to say.

Mark

Sooooo...

You think I should go check it out?

Kiddin man, Cheers!

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

The Optis average 90-110 psi compression...the only thing is, has engine had any updates? You can get serial number and have a dealer run it to see or call Merc and they can tell you. The 98 and early 99's had several updates and the 200-225 series are the Optipops or Optibombs as some people labeled them. Also the oil pump is NLA and has to be updated with part#859372A01 oil pump kit, price is about $500...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

I got my numbers out of my 90 hp serv manual. It is not an Opti. If I steered you wrong, I certainly apologize.

I guess that the Opti if fuel injected (I think it is) and that may have some effect on the combustion chamber and all making for lower compression....which may be an EPA emissions requirement also as my manual and my engine are like 10 yrs old.

Again sorry if I told you wrong. But running is supposed to be healthy. Grin....sorry couldn't help myself.

Mark

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

I got my numbers out of my 90 hp serv manual. It is not an Opti. If I steered you wrong, I certainly apologize.

I guess that the Opti if fuel injected (I think it is) and that may have some effect on the combustion chamber and all making for lower compression....which may be an EPA emissions requirement also as my manual and my engine are like 10 yrs old.

Again sorry if I told you wrong. But running is supposed to be healthy. Grin....sorry couldn't help myself.

Mark

No sweat dude! I still have my reservations. I am wondering why a fella wouldn't just put on a oil pump and then sell it for twice as much. Seems that there might be more to the story. Dunno??

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

If I was to bid on this motor at auction with no oil pump, I would not bid over $500. You cant even start the engine to test it with pump removed on this model, tell the fellow to replace pump so you can hear it run, if he grunts offer him $500-700 as-is and tell him pump is NLA and replacement is $500.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

If I was to bid on this motor at auction with no oil pump, I would not bid over $500. You cant even start the engine to test it with pump removed on this model, tell the fellow to replace pump so you can hear it run, if he grunts offer him $500-700 as-is and tell him pump is NLA and replacement is $500.

Best advice you're gonna get! I went down this road just recently.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

If I was to bid on this motor at auction with no oil pump, I would not bid over $500. You cant even start the engine to test it with pump removed on this model, tell the fellow to replace pump so you can hear it run, if he grunts offer him $500-700 as-is and tell him pump is NLA and replacement is $500.

Yah, I emailed him and said to him basically what you just said. He hasn't responded back yet, I don't think he wants to hear that sort of talk.

I have the time to keep looking - plenty of winter left here and my boat isn't nearly prepared to receive a new motor.

Cheers!

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

If you want the most bang for yer buck and performance for ya boat find you a Johnson 175 in the 92-96 year range as it is lighter than the Merc, has plenty of torque and gets pretty good fuel mileage(lot better than a crossflow)

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

If you want the most bang for yer buck and performance for ya boat find you a Johnson 175 in the 92-96 year range as it is lighter than the Merc, has plenty of torque and gets pretty good fuel mileage(lot better than a crossflow)

That's strange talk for a guy with a high performance tower on his racer in his avatar.....Grin

Sorry, just couldn't resist. Havin a little fun.

Mark

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Optimax Thoughts?

He wants something good,cheap,decent fuel mileage, easy to work on and good performance.....didnt say he wanted to go fast!!!!