Re: 225 opti max
 

Make sure you guys are running optilube and quickkleen!

Re: 225 opti max
 

Pounce,
I originally ran the "Premium Plus" as the Opti stuff was not easily available, other than driving a ways to get the stuff. The guys at Boat Center said that it was fine to run and the manual said it was ok too, if you could not get the synthetic. One of the local guys started carrying the synthetic so I am now buying that, expensive stuff....

Here is a question for ya....

When Mercury came out with the Optimax motors, they didn't have the synthetic oil. In fact, they didn't come out with it until a few years later. So, what gives? Yes, synthetic is great stuff and will more than likely increase the life of the motor but, is is REALLY required? Like I said, I am now using it but the initial break in, first 25 hours of running, ran on the other stuff...

John

Re: 225 opti max
 

Hey John

My manual says either premium or regular (printed before optilube was on the market). Merc has subsequently issued two service bulletins for optis: One says use Optilube, the other says use QuickKleen. My new powerhead has about 200 hours on it and has seen nothing but the good stuff. I do not have plug fouling problems like I had with the old power head. In addition, the motor just sounds better - smoother and somewhat quieter.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I talked to my friend today. He's topping out at 43 mph. per his GPS. Forgot to ask what he's turning for rpm.The dealer told him it's o.k. to use Premium Plus oil, is this bad info?

Re: 225 opti max
 

Pounce,
I have yet to run the QuickKleen in the motor but I will. I changed the plugs at about 20 hours because it was running a bit rough at trolling speeds. That smoothed it out, mostly. The plugs were fouled when I pulled them. Not really bad but they were not great either. Also, I noted that the plugs were not gapped correctly. They were all set at .028 which, is what they are at at out of the box. I gapped the new ones correctly and will see how that works out. I have about 40 hours on the motor now and will see how they are when I pull them during the week. I have only had this boat for a litle under 2 months and have already put 40 hours on it. If I keep going at this rate, I will have 200 hours before the end of the year, easy. Never had a Mercury before. I have always been a diehard Yamaha fan. We shall see how it goes.

John

Re: 225 opti max
 

John

I take it that you are still using the premium oil? What kind of plugs are you running? The Champions or the NGK's. Tose NGK's really make a difference too.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I am using the Optilube now, for the past few weeks......The plugs are NGK's. Those are some expensive darn plugs........

John

Re: 225 opti max
 

23 Sceptre 1979 with 2001 250 EFi Merc, turning a stiletto 3 blade 14 inch x 17 pitch max rpms 5700-5800 and 48-50 mph (via gps) obviously load dependent. I tried many props and this one is "the one." I cruise at 4800 around 40mph.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I've got a 200 Opti' and I always use the Mercury lube products for the Opti'. I get a 10% discount for buying in bulk, and I'm convinced after running factory and non factory lubes that the gas mileage is better and the motor is a lot less smoky.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I am running a 14 1/2 X 17 with a 200 HP Merc, top out in good water at about 5700 rpm around 44 mph. You should be doing better than that with a 225 Opti.