2002 Optimax 225

[BlueIceCPA]

I purchased a Walleye Professional boat at the end of the 2002 season.Good Shape ! I use the boat ~ 50 hours a year on the Optimax , do a lot of trolling with my 4 stroke kicker. It has been wonderful.

So in 2002, 03, 04, 05 ran perfectly :) Just normal prop damage and bar replaced:confused:

06 Oil Alarm , fixed that, and then poor perfomance 32 mph from ~50 mph turned out the spark plugs never changed so #6 fouled real bad, so were two others but ~ 30 % better than #6.

I always use the Synthetic Oil but have not used a Carbon Cleaner. Lost RPM's . So Late fall after thinking it was the prop we changed the plugs , everything back to normal except top speed at 5700 rpm with a High 5 / 21 was ~ 42 mph no longer 50 MPH.

07 Started out great same 42 MPH @ 5700, then engine troubles:
#1 wiring loose off batery bar reconected
#2 and under console ignition switch.
In the process of having Dealer check all wires ~ can they come loose after 6 years ? Also engine alarm going off every time out
then the alarm stops.

I just want to maintain this beast for 10 more years, feel that it's good with the 1st 5 years so I dont think its a lemon, has the blue Igniters ? so I have been told it has the latest upgrades( they had to be done in 2002 by the pro on his circut?)

Will the smart gauge did not give me #'s for the alarm or does the Dealer have to get them with his computer. Will be heading up to an Optimax Guru near the Plant to set me straight .

Just like to know what I am up against. Am I fooling myself that I can keep this running for say 12 more years reliably with proper maintenance> Use the boat 30 days per year so I am not hard on the engine , just props at times;)

[BlueIceCPA]

Update , Mechanic is a former Mercury Race Team , knows lots about the optimax did the Diagnostic's 1st and the devels were in the details UG.

Went out then after clearing the memory and creted another diagnostic. Well is't sad that after 6 years of Mercury Boat repair Shops , MI, IL & WI it took the 7th years ( yes on 7/7/2007 the stars are in balance)
to get one that understands them.:confused:

1 . Will start with a new thermostate ot two.
2. Find out whats the problem with Spark Plug 6 & 4 , wire cut ?

Should get it back in two weeks :}

Wow an Optimax Dr's Dr; in Oshkosh, Wi

[BlueIceCPA]

:mad: Called after 10 days , they had it apart.

Thermostat's changed , wanted the less than 10 degree, mine were up to 35 degrees apart.

Plug #6 & #4 down, replaced injectors #4 & #6 , #4 worked not #6, pulled plug , water coming out ? Blown Head ?? Fuel Rail Recall:confused:?

Told me one side had "Black", the other "Blue dot" , said there was even an upgrade to solid blue , should have been on both sides. What are they talking about ? Injectors recall?:confused:

Starter was out of position and problem with fly wheel.


Professionally maintained by Mercury Certified Mechanics every year, they also Winterized it and brought it back in the spring.

Whats a Novice now rely on to keep the Engine in tip top shape. Was this not a recall that should have "Solid Blue"?

It is a 2002 Optimax 225 and I was told everything recalled was fixed ?:mad::mad::mad:

Ideas if the Dealer Squaks on this before I call Mercury?

Thanks for your help.

[BlueIceCPA]

Picked up my rebuild 2002 2002 optimax 225,

The took the Power head off and replaced it with a 2003 block and 2005 parts and PCM , they finetuned and replaced my High 5 Prop , and trimed some transducer plastic plates that were down ~ 1/8" too low and trimed them.

WOW I had my 1st ride Saturday and I am back ans better that when I picked it up October 2002 , 52 MPH again , it was the #6 cylander and also the #4 injectors too, with the early 2002 system just like the 2000's , I understand they have ~ 98% replaced now. And mine is really now a 2005. ;)

Damages $5800.00 for the upgraded Powerehead, $600.00 new Prop, $1400.00 Labor. I wished I found him 3 years ago, but Its really better than I found him now.:mad:

1 year warrantee expire 8/11/2008! :D