Reliability of 2000-2001 Mercury Optimax

[mac321]

I am shopping for a used boat and a large number have 2000 or 2001 Mercury Optimax 150, 200 or 225 engines.

I remember hearing that Mercury actually pulled the optimax engine off the market for several months back in that timeframe. Questions include: What engine models and years were affected? What was the specific problem? Any tips on what to do when evaluating these engines? Please provide me any information on these engines.

[Scream And Fly]

I know there were improvements made to the fuel system and other components on early OptiMax engines, but they are an extremely reliable engine.

Greg

[Markus]

I know there were improvements made to the fuel system and other components on early OptiMax engines, but they are an extremely reliable engine.

Greg

Well, I also think there were some issues with year 2000 and maybe 2001 Optis, but I don't remember what they were. Either 2001 or 2002 was the first year they became "extremely reliable". Maybe the bassfishing guys over at www.wmi.org can help.

[SCAngler]

i think 2003 was their first really good year.i know of alot of opti's up to year 2002 were having a problem with moisture in the fuel rails getting into the cylnder & blowing.since 2003 they have been very reliable.there was also a class action suit against merc in relation to the opti's i think up through the 01 or 02 my engines