Optimax, Etec, HPDI, Ficht - Pros and Cons

[mdc]

What are the differences between the various forms of 2 stroke Direct Injection and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each system?

[David]

Optimax uses an air pump to help atomize the fuel, ie break it up into smaller droplets. This is theoretically better for combustion. It adds some degree of mechanical complexity. The technology comes from Orbital, and is also licensed to Tohatsu. Of course Tohatsu don't call it Optimax.

HPDI uses a high pressure fuel pump to provide enough pressure to achieve good atomization. This technology is rapidly finding its way into car engines.

I think Etec and Ficht both use a plunger driven by a solenoid like device to atomize the fuel. It is relatively mechanically simple, and is alleged to avoid some concerns with high pressure.

[bworner]

Really what it comes down to sir is this, the different forms of Direct Injection have Good and bad issues, here are some that Ive seen,read about and so on.....Mercurys Optimax has always been a great motor, the early ones were quite questionable but really Evinrudes early models had issues also, so we alyways suggest the BRP DIs or FICHT Ram motors, Optimax I believe was safe 2003 and newer, however certain HPs of Optimax's received some refinements in 2006, which made them approx 27% quieter and more refined for the day to day boater and pontoon, the 2005 150 Optimax has about 15more HP than the 06 and newer, so thats a dramatic difference...anyways, Mercs orbital system of DI has really only the Air compressor failing and taking out the power head, some never fail, But Ive even seen it in the service center being torn down, and I know the compressor is quite pricey, you also have a belt to maintain,but thats very minor....the opitmax has a small air filter that is periodicall checked changed I believe yearly or 100hrs, great gear case typically, have had some power head issues on cylinder #5, and some sporadic electrical and coil stuff, but thats stuff can be researched here and bassboatcentral.com, On the Evinrude they have had the Worse Rap, heres why, in 2000 OMC went bankrupt while they were destroying/perfecting the FICHT tech, it was also introduced in 1998, as stated here and other forums, OMC had the rights to Orbital first, but they liked the simplicity in the FICHT german technology, because as stated above its very simle and had way way way less moving parts, now I wasnt selling boats at either one of Merc or OMCs start points for DI tech, but from what is here they both had multiple failures, if you are looking at Etec, then thats simple, in all reality, BRP had a problem with the 2005/early 2006 225 HO ETEC, the 200 HO, 250 regular and small block V6s are great motors, but BRP had a programming option for a Oil setting, 1 Rich, 1 Lean, and it was too lean, and cylinder #2 would pop, not always but it is a widely known problem, also certain people, which are typically bass fisherman who beat the hell out of stuff had lower unit gear issues, now both issues were resolved by BRP COMPLETELY in 2008......NOW that does not mean to run from the 225 ho in used form, most had a 7 year warranty if bought during boat show season,winter,spring, all of the ones for sale should have new dressed power head and updated gears or cases....Either way a very advanced simplistic motor....the 2003-2006? I think 06 Direct Injection Motors from BRP, which are really the best and very stout versions of OMCs FICHT technology, different injectors way more efficient and Dead Nutts reliable, sounds killer its louder like a Optimax.....Now Yamaha waited last to do their Di the HPDI, like stated above High Pressure Direct Injection from I believe 700-1000PSI of fuel pressure, where the Optimax Is like 30-100, I know ther Opti and Our Tohatsu DIs are Lower pressure, anyways Yamaha used their EFI just regular fuel injection until I believe like 2003??? Maybe 2002, anyways it had some issues lately on the Big Block 3.3liter mainly it was a oil issue and was started in the motors life by a tech not oiling it correctly when being set up, supposedly...I know when it first came out they had a 2.6liter 200HP Vmax, later they changed it like BRPs 200 HO to a 3.3liter...way better torque, now Yammie Like BRP has one nice advantage on their Big block Vmax series HPDIs, they have a Crescent shaped Bullet lower unit with a nice low water pick up, Etec HOs Bullet is broader and I believe its low water pick ups are more in the middle where Yammies is towards the bullet, not like a Soprty but nice, this gives both motors an advantage for heights on the transom, anyways Yamahas DI system is very reliable, plus if you like 370hp with the running qualitys of a production motor, check out these guys at Hydrotec, http://www.hydrotecmarine.com/ they make monsters.....anyways that was probably some stuff that you didnt need, now If I was wrong about something or misinterpeted something I apologize, their is always someone smarter on this site....Good Luck

[NNT]

Optimax technology dominated this years 24 hours at Rouen, so either run with the winners or get lapped with the losers!!!!! Optimax for the win!!!!

[Ferdi]

Optimax technology dominated this years 24 hours at Rouen, so either run with the winners or get lapped with the losers!!!!! Optimax for the win!!!!

NTT, are you not sad to bring this up and up, in each thread ?

you are a real troll

[NNT]

NTT, are you not sad to bring this up and up, in each thread ?

you are a real troll

Whats wrong with stating the facts as it pertains to this post? Next time try English too

[NNT]

Optimax uses an air pump to help atomize the fuel, ie break it up into smaller droplets. This is theoretically better for combustion. It adds some degree of mechanical complexity. The technology comes from Orbital, and is also licensed to Tohatsu. Of course Tohatsu don't call it Optimax.

I'm glad you brought that up, it's true the TLDI's use the same orbital DFI setup as the Opti's, but it seems while the Tohatsu's get the "bullet proof" reputation, the American Mercury Opti gets a bad rap that is has compressor issues. personally I think thats the typical misconception "Foreign is better then American" propoganda and there is no truth to it at all. I know plenty of people with Opti's and when I ask them how often they have to service their belt, they look at me like I'm nuts. Usual answer is "never had a problem".

Good luck in whatever you get, DFI is the way to go regardless of make

[Mr. Demeanor]

I am on compressor #3 in 300 hours on my 2003 Opti 225. They are expensive even when you do the labor yourself. Last one lost the rod bearing and then the piston skirt. Sent metal through my fuel rails taking out 3 air injectors (all on the side closest to the compressor line). I have not saved enough money in fuel and oil to pay for the repairs. I love the engine when it runs but all of these new engines have just ecome so damn complicated. Right now I wish I had a 250EFI hanging off the transom.

[FrenchPhil]

Actually they were carbed motors with Opti cowlings (shhh its a secret)

Optimax technology dominated this years 24 hours at Rouen, so either run with the winners or get lapped with the losers!!!!! Optimax for the win!!!!

[Ferdi]

Whats wrong with stating the facts as it pertains to this post? Next time try English too

i am quite sure that my english is far better than your german

[NNT]

i am quite sure that my english is far better than your german

Sie sicher darüber?

[Ferdi]

Sie sicher darüber?

these translated words make no sense , the verb is missing

[NNT]

these translated words make no sense , the verb is missing

It's the NEW German not the old German

[basshooker]

I've went through 2 set of reeds and a compressor and now a spun sleeve in the compression chamber. Does it ever end?

[bigbore]

HA HA HA,that's pretty good,bbllueu-er mosiano-talla ban,brunswick in 2 anal-beads now,6 bowlins balls on a stringer,queers.ain't that some chit.bigbore'll throw up his signature 1 MORE TIME.HA HA NUMBER 1 EVERYWHERE WITH THE BEST WARRENTY IN THE BUISS