What is the difference in the year make of Mercury ProMax motors?

[fenwayfear]

Still doing my research on repowering my Ally XB2003. Currently I am looking at a 1998 225 ProMax(fresh rebuild) with sportmaster lower. Is there a difference in say a 1998 225 PM and a 2001 225 PM. Did the ProMax line change in built at any point? I also have been offered a deal on a 2003 280 ROS for my Ally, but I really want something that is quite, good on gas, and ultra reliable.

[fastrfish]

I have heard that the first year they changed to tha alien cover which I think is 1999 is the strongest. I am looking for one also.Still looking for a xb2003 also. Just had one bought out from under me by 1 hour. Anybody know who bought xb2003 from Hoxie this week?

[JR IN JAX]

My '98 Pmax 225 15" mid came with the Alien cowl. I think the 2000 model had a hybrid ignition system before they went to the X models.

[lbfd48]

My '98 Pmax 225 15" mid came with the Alien cowl. I think the 2000 model had a hybrid ignition system before they went to the X models. Correct my 98 also has the 15" mid and Alien cowl. The 98 is a good motor depending on who rebuilt it, and the 2000 + are the X motors which have a different ignition, oiler, and intake. Both are good motors.

[Jay Smith]

There are many variations of 2.5 Pro Max... 150 HP, 200 HP, 225 HP each are a bit different, changes in the engines are made to reduce or increase the Pro Shaft HP ratings to fit a particular hulls limits..

Main differences is the reed configuration with the 225 having a seven petal and the newer ( 225X having a 5 petal Sport Jet style that are standard in late model 280's )The 150 and 200 have the older 5 petal reeds.The 225 and 225X have High Performance 1.5 MM thinner rings.. The smaller HP motors have a restriction of the intake charge path to reduce HP. I modify these vapor paths on the blocks to mirror the higer HP 225's and can put another 25 30 HP very easily. The newer 225X is a cross between a 225 Pro Max and a 280 it has a new improved oiling system that is electronic and does NOT use the fragile oiler gear system. I am building both types as I type. I remove the oiler gear systems on the older motors as I find them to be a weak link in the failure chain BUT leave the bullet proof 225X system alone..

225X have O ringed heads, an alternator charging system as well as a 280 style trigger pick up ignition while the rest of the earlier Pro Maxs have the conventional stator, TRigger, switchbox ignition and charging system..


Jay

[easy web]

New cables? New control box? New engine? Not sure what you are asking here..... The control box is similar for a number of models over different years, but there are different models in even the same year that may use a different earlier or later control box. It could take a while to identify the alternatives - just stick with the one that comes with the outboard, if you upgrade, the new control box and cables will be part of the deal. Don't touch an outboard that does not come with all the fittings, and walk away from any that have the wiring loom cut - that's just plain silly.

Edit - Thank you Lima, If the cable ends are the same for so long you should have no problem, but I would still want all the controls and wiring to come with any other outboard, regardless of age. Electrical wiring changes mean tilt/trim etc may be different on earlier set-ups.

[fenwayfear]

Thanks Jay for the expanded reply. The 1998 225PM does have the oiler still intact. My current motor(1999 Venom 200hp) is a premix motor and it smoke like crazy on start up. I am trying to get away from the eruption of smoke that comes from the motor when starting up. Can the newer oiler system on the 225x be installed on the 225PM? Jay, which avenue should I take to get me great handling and minimal smoke(gas smell). Wanting to stay under 7k for a new motor and sportmaster lower. What will I have to change if I go from a Johnson to a Mercury motor?

[1BadAction]

Try some of the XD100 oil in that Venom, you'll be surprised at the lack of smoke.

Personally I like a smokin 2 stroke, I don't care if it leaves an oil slick full of birds and dead baby seals, as long as it runs like hell.

[Jay Smith]

I prefer the pre mix route BUT use a LOW ash content oil like Pennzoil Blends , they smoke WAY less than the OEM oils ..

Jay

[fenwayfear]

Do I need to do anything to the motor prior to switching to the blended oils? I am currently using the evinrude standard TW3 oil.

I assume that I still need to mix the oil 50:1, CORRECT?

[1BadAction]

Do I need to do anything to the motor prior to switching to the blended oils? I am currently using the evinrude standard TW3 oil.

I assume that I still need to mix the oil 50:1, CORRECT?

All TCW3 oils will intermix just fine, and if you're running 50:1 stay with it.

Regardless of what some oils claim, I would NEVER use less oil than 50:1.

[Jay Smith]

Run your pre mix 225 Pro Max at 40:1 ( 3 1/2 OZ to a gallon ) Bigger bored engines ( 3.500" bore 2.5's ) need more protection , if your motor was a 2.4 I would agree with the 50:1 but not a 2.5...

Jay

[resqu-u]

My 98 225 is the SS, 15" mid, alien cowling and skirt. I pulled the oil injection and run pennzoil premium plus or xlf at 40:1. I'm very happy with it on my xb2003. If the 225 was rebuilt right then break it in and run it like you stole it for a long time. I think 280's require a lot of up keep for a fishing motor although I'd have one if the price was right.....

[fenwayfear]

My 98 225 is the SS, 15" mid, alien cowling and skirt. I pulled the oil injection and run pennzoil premium plus or xlf at 40:1. I'm very happy with it on my xb2003. If the 225 was rebuilt right then break it in and run it like you stole it for a long time. I think 280's require a lot of up keep for a fishing motor although I'd have one if the price was right.....

Why do u run the 15" mid on your XB? Explain the pros and cons.

[fastrfish]

Might have a 99 model PM225 with sportmaster for you. Has appx 10 hours on fresh rebuild. light port work and drilled exhaust. I am looking to buy XB2003 from guy in Alabama that is rigged with this motor but I only need the boat and trailer. Probably between 5k and 6k for it. let me know if you interested. He wants to sell whole rig but if I had a buyer for his motor he would split it.

[xb03fs]

Main differences is the reed configuration with the 225 having a seven petal and the newer ( 225X having a 5 petal Sport Jet style that are standard in late model 280's )The 150 and 200 have the older 5 petal reeds.The 225 and 225X have High Performance 1.5 MM thinner rings.. The smaller HP motors have a restriction of the intake charge path to reduce HP. I modify these vapor paths on the blocks to mirror the higer HP 225's and can put another 25 30 HP very easily.
Jay

Jay does a SVS help the "vapor path" I had modified 4 petal cages added this winter and it seemed to help initial punch and noticable midrange improvment up to about 5500 Now the shop is installing the SVS. Will this help my 200XRI pull over 6000 rpms more like a 225 promax. I have plenty of holeshot and accel upt to about 5500/5800 but it pulls much slower over 6000 rpms...

Just curious.

[fenwayfear]

PM me some pics of that motor. I do have one locally that has peaked my interest, it is a 225PM w/SM that is cut for an Allison. Problem is I cannot get it on my boat until I sell the Vemon that is on the boat now. No one wants to buy a motor that is not on the boat to be tested. But if that motor is priced right I might be more inclined to pass on the $6500 price tag on the local one.

[fenwayfear]

Thanks for all the input on helping me with my research in my quest to repower my ALLY! As of now I am leaning toward the 225PM, but am looking for a deal on a 225X(I like the fact that the oiler is improved and will cut down on the smoke).