Optimax
 

Well, the inevitable finally happened. After years of hearing about it, the start of my 5th season with my 200 hp Optimax started out with a bang- a blown powerhead that is. And get this- the engine is out of warranty by 1 week ! I have contacted Mercury and I think they are going to cover it- they better or its the last Mercury I will ever own.- Worst part is lost fishing time unless they won't cover it then its cash.

Re: Optimax
 

Oh ..... Thats just not good !!!! [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

I drove through the yard and saw your boat looking all nice and ready to go a couple weeks ago.

Did they even get her to your slip ??

Re: Optimax
 

Boy of boy either Mercury must really have their motor warranty and their motor life expectancy down to a fine science.
OR
The other point of view is: I think fish with you in the middle of a lightning storm could be a very bad decision to make.
SORRY [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]
FellowShip

Re: Optimax
 

What let go? How many hours on the motor?

Re: Optimax
 

Yes, they put me in the slip and first trip out, I passed under the bridge, powered up and all the warning lights went on ! I turned right around and limped back- I knew as soon as I turned it on something was wrong-real rough idle- they pulled the plugs and saw aluminum shavings- cylinder problems. I am optimistic that Merc will honor the warranty since it was only out by a week. I'll let you know- motor actually has been almost perfect- it has about 550 hrs on it and this is the start of the 5th season.

Re: Optimax
 

That's a tough one. What kind of oil did you use? Did you use Quick Clean fuel additive? I have a 2005 225 Opti, that's the reason for the interogation.

Re: Optimax
 

I've heard of guys blowing power heads on their first trip out. I remember my mechanic always telling me not to open her up on the first trip. Something with the fogging fluid and storage leading to the power head blow on the first trip out.

Re: Optimax
 

I have only used Quicksilver (Mercury) oil, the Premium Plus version especially for Optimax. I was always told not to mess with anything else and I didn't. I've talked to quite a few Optimax owners and service people and the powerhead is a problem on the older Opti's- they are replacing it with a new version that is supposedly much better and free of bugs- just as long as they do it under warranty !!

Re: Optimax
 

Mine's a 2005, they did have some problems the first few years. That can be said for the other brand direct injection motors too. Good luck with Merc.

Re: Optimax
 

Well boys, got the word today- Mercury IS covering the costs of the parts under the warranty- I'm on the hook for labor but I'll take that deal since, get this, the powerhead, injectors, etc come to $8300 !!! The labor is between $700-850. I consider it a victory- now if they just didn't need another 10 days to fix it ..........

Re: Optimax
 

Thats cool !!! Good for Mercury for stepping up and taking care of that. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Who's doing the work ??

Re: Optimax
 

Ocean Beach in Lavalette- they are an authorized Merc dealer- Carmen from Winters is Service Mgr. there now (he left Winters a couple of months ago) so he is taking care of it. Scott- did you get the photo I e-mailed you ?

Re: Optimax
 

I got the letter from Winters saying that Carmen was moving on .... Didn't realize it was to Ocean Beach !!!

Re: Optimax
 

That's a good deal, glad to here it. A couple motors ago my partner and I both had 225 hp. Mariners. He blew his power head and I lost my lower unit, they were both off warranty and Mariner/Merc. replaced both for us.