Possible new purchase; 01 225 Optimax

[gotboostedvr6]

This weekend I'm planning on purchasing a 2001 225 optimax. I know nothing about direct injection motors.

What do i need to look out for? How can i determine the hours on the motor? What should the compression be?


What is this motor worth if in Fair, Good, or Excellent condition?


Thanks in advance!

[gotboostedvr6]

So far my research has shown that I should check the air compressor pulley for bearing play.

I've also heard there is a screen that catches debris in the cooling system that should be checked.

Still unsure about the compression range.

[XstreamVking]

I have an 01 200 opti. low hrs motor. Good running motor. It has comp #'s in the 110 range. Air pressure is 90 and fuel is 80 at the rails I believe. The problem with older optis is that the parts are quite expensive, so getting a parts motor is smart. Value for a running 01 is 1500? I wouldn't pay more than that for a 15 yr old motor. Fuel rails have rubber parts in them and they can deteriorate over time. Tracker valve being one that's common. Alternator should put out 13.5-14 volts if good. And opti's need the volts high to run good. 1000cca battery required.

[gotboostedvr6]

Thank you for your reply.

Seller is firm at $1700 for the good motor.

Around here I estimate its worth 4 to 5000 in good shape.

[XstreamVking]

Most people are scared to death of a 15 year old o/b motor. Especially an opti. Most buyers of them are parts scroungers. Like me......Can you test run it?

[gotboostedvr6]

Yes a test run on the stand is possible

[gotboostedvr6]

How can I verify how many hours are on it?

[XstreamVking]

A compatible smart craft gauge or a merc ddt tool will show the hrs. Running on a stand, you can check the air press side (port side valve) with a truck tire gauge that goes above 100 psi. Press should be close to 90psi. Fuel side (star side valve) uses a fuel pressure gauge that goes above 100 also. It should be around 80psi. You can check the air side for fuel or water by pushing in on the valve stem some and see what comes out. Be careful not to get shot in the eyes. A lil water is normal, fuel is not. Motor should fire up with 2-3 revolutions and idle smoothly right away. Compressor should have some normal noise (like a shop air compressor) but not any knocking sounds. Pulling up on the pulley is also a way to check the compressor.

[cali kid]

This weekend I'm planning on purchasing a 2001 225 optimax. I know nothing about direct injection motors.

What do i need to look out for? How can i determine the hours on the motor? What should the compression be?

If all goes well and i purchase this motor Ive also found a blown 01 225 opti I'm going to buy next week for a parts motor. (Threw a rod asking $600)


What is the running motor worth if in Fair, Good, or Excellent condition?

Both are 25" fishing motors RH rotation.

Thanks in advance!

The hours on the motor have the most influence on the value. I recently sold an '01 225 with 400 hours for $4000. A smartcraft gauge or ddt scanner will give you hours. The fuel rails are costly. They like to corrode at the bottoms were the hoses attach. Look for upgraded air injectors. The blue ones are the best, the blue dot ones are ok, all black will need to be replaced. The upgraded thermostat housings have a dot cast into them, makes the motor run hotter less plug fouling. Look at the trim unit for a rusty motor, and leaky seals. The biggest killer of these Opti's are broken reeds. They let the oil puke out the front instead of in the motor. 100 to 110 is ok for compression. Over 1000 hours is over due for reeds as well as compressor. As well as what the other members suggested.