I have a 2005 Mercury 250 Optimax and you make a good point about not putting the plugs in after you inject the oil into the cylinders and rotating the flywheel to prevent hydrolock. I didn't want to take any chances so I just followed the manual.
I have a 2001 Opti 200. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you. Keep posting your Maintenece skills. I am having an issue with high speed loss of power. Above 4300-4500 rpm DM me if I can pick your brain a bit? I have done 5-6 things to check first. I don’t want to clog this with the wrong questions. Our Merc techs here in Ontario are in a shortage so i need to fix this myself. I have done: New plugs/check coils-ok/New fuel filter/fuel line/spark wire Ok/ Air filter-new. Focus is now on VST pumps/fuel pump diaphragm/…
I am not 100% on this but you may want to check the air compressor and injectors as well as the fuel injectors. This is probably best done with diagnostic software. Unfortunately, unlike Evinrude or Yamaha, Mercury diagnostics software is cost prohibitive unless you are a pro.
Power loss WOT SOLVED! I pulled the Fuel line from primer to Engine ( Completely ethanol clogged and replaced) I also replaced diaphragm to the Fuel Filter too as (Preventative- no damage but still Original from 2001)! Never opened before! Quick replacement fixed the performance and FULL SPEED 42 MPH @ 5100RPM w 1/4 tank of fuel, 2 x200lb passengers.... @@ExtremeDIYGuy
The winterizing mix we use at the shop is 5 gallons premium non ethanol fuel, two quarts of premium plus 2stroke oil , 6 ounces fuel stabilizer.we use this to winterize all outboard and four stroke engines, and mercruiser inboards.always take of the bottom cowlings when replacing spark plugs.do not try to reinstall new plugs with a plug socket. Get a hose , push the plug into the hose then carefully thread the plugs into the heads.finish with a socket torque to 20 ft- lbs
Thanks, Good advice on the fuel mix and the plugs. the bottom plugs are a Pain with the bottom cowling on. Not impossible but you certainly need to be very careful.
I have a Merc Opti 115hp from 2004. I change the lower unit oil every spring. So for you, perhaps just change it next spring; don’t need to worry about it for winterizing. That would be dewinterizing. I hope it helps
@maritimeus love it thanks a bunch. Just a side question. I had a 1995 inboard 3.0 bayliner I am able to whip around without prop slipping or loss of water. Got a 2007 optimax outboard now and I'm not able to do sharp turns and take off without prop slipping or loss of power. So I got new plastic hub and it's better and don't slip anymore. But on sharp turns I do get loss of power and alot of people mention it is the propeller captivating. Any thoughts?
You bring up a good concern, and it’s a concern shared by a lot of boaters with outboards. My only 2 other suggestions are: 1. Try installing a hydrofoil. It’s good for hole shots. There’s a few very good UA-cam videos on these. 2. Consider a new prop, maybe a 4 blade or stainless steel. Could talk to a dealer or marine technician. I don’t have too much information on this. Good luck
Thank you very much for this Video!! I am not sure many people winterize engines down here on the Gulf Coast. It very rarely gets below freezing down here. Also, there are many days during the winter months that is a decent day for taking out the boat. If this is the norm, do you think there is any benefit to winterize for us? Sorry, I am newer to boating if this question is any indication. Thanks Again!!
Probably not necessary. I'm in NC and the winters are pretty mild here. YOu can go out a few times but in the case of the Optimax, I just winterize and put it up.
I am in the process of servicing a 150 right now they left this really nice bass boat out in the elements with out a cover . Hasnt been out since 2019 I had to pump the fuel out it was nasty and rancid and I also pull the oil tank and dumped out the old oil and it war really nasty and stunk I took the resivor on the engine unbolted it and dump the oil and it was a good call it was so old it turned to a dark amber color . The cowling sucks to get off you have to take apart the right bank on the wiring harness to get to all the bolts and pull it up out of the way to get to the lower bolt . If you dont pull the lower cowling you are not going to be able to get to nothing on this engine. I just got the water pump done and just put in the lower gear case, Between the fuel tank pump out and the oil pump tank dump and flush and a tune up and I had to order the fuel filter I wish Merc had their fuel filter with the sensor shoved up their a ss my Whole saler in Wash is out of them and on back order they didnt even have Sierra I am glad I bid this job high these engines suck to work on for room . I am including the parts to get the job but I am still good . I spent almost $70,00 just on oil for the main tank and secondary tank for the oil injection . I have to flush the injectors now I hope to get it finished up today my fuel filter will be in tomorrow . Just amazes me how somebody can take a 25,000 fishing boat and shove it out in the weeds to rot . There was rust stains around the oil tank and when I pulled the back seat out there was rust stains on the fuel tank and no access cover for the sending unit good times
I don't have direct experience with the 150 but the Mercury manual for this covers both the 135 and the 150 so I think that troubleshooting would be similar if not the same for both.
Hi, thanks for video !! I'm writing from Italy. Where i can get information how i can take apart the lower cover of my 150 optimax? Thanks a lot. Maurizio
@@ExtremeDIYGuy Thanks a lot. Another question: how many PSI is the grease pump you used for lubrification point? I'm buying one but i want to be sure to buy a right pump with a right tip.
Take the lower cowling off, take the coil packs off, then you can put the plugs in by hand and have no worries. Ten minutes extra work and you wont regret it
I- This is perfect and informative instuction for Winterizing the engine.... QUESTION: I have been advised by a merc tech there is a way to clean the Air Compressor Oil filet? And Some Servicing of the Air Compressor for winterization? Could you post a video of how to winterise/ service the Air Compressor? 🛥
I have a question I have a 99 optimax I ran it for a week straight and it sat for 2 and a half weeks. Mechanic replaced the lower unit and now when he trys to start it was frozen. I looked at it put the shifter in foward spun the prop around 4 or 5 times went to start it and it was un frozen. The strange thing when the messed with the lowe unit this when it started.
Im sorry I didnt see this reply no its not locked up First mechanic crossed the 2 cycle line with the air line so it would hydro lock with oil. New Mechanic fixed all issues.@@ExtremeDIYGuy
This is my favorite UA-cam video of all time. Just got done with my winterization, so thankful for this video.
Thanks!
Great video. Just bought that exact boat but with the 150 optimal. Watching this video was a great help. Thank you!
Glad this video was helpful, feel free to check out my other videos as well. Cheers!
Good video!! I was about to take my 2 stroke optimax to a guy that was going to fog it. You really saved me here!!!!
Great to hear!
Great video sir. Thanks for going through the trouble, it helps us newbies out millions.
Glad to help
Just putting an 09 150 Optimax on my 09 G3 Suntracker Tritoon replacing an E-tec 115. This will come in handy this winter.
I have a 2005 Mercury 250 Optimax and you make a good point about not putting the plugs in after you inject the oil into the cylinders and rotating the flywheel to prevent hydrolock. I didn't want to take any chances so I just followed the manual.
Following the manual is a great idea!
I have a 2001 Opti 200. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you. Keep posting your Maintenece skills.
I am having an issue with high speed loss of power. Above 4300-4500 rpm
DM me if I can pick your brain a bit? I have done 5-6 things to check first. I don’t want to clog this with the wrong questions. Our Merc techs here in Ontario are in a shortage so i need to fix this myself. I have done:
New plugs/check coils-ok/New fuel filter/fuel line/spark wire Ok/ Air filter-new.
Focus is now on VST pumps/fuel pump diaphragm/…
I am not 100% on this but you may want to check the air compressor and injectors as well as the fuel injectors. This is probably best done with diagnostic software. Unfortunately, unlike Evinrude or Yamaha, Mercury diagnostics software is cost prohibitive unless you are a pro.
Power loss WOT SOLVED! I pulled the Fuel line from primer to Engine ( Completely ethanol clogged and replaced) I also replaced diaphragm to the Fuel Filter too as (Preventative- no damage but still Original from 2001)! Never opened before! Quick replacement fixed the performance and FULL SPEED 42 MPH @ 5100RPM w 1/4 tank of fuel, 2 x200lb passengers.... @@ExtremeDIYGuy
Great video. Saved myself a shirtload of money and did the work myself.
Nice work! Glad it helped.
Thanks for taking the time to do the video.....
You're welcome!
Thanks for thorough details.
Glad i could help!
The winterizing mix we use at the shop is 5 gallons premium non ethanol fuel, two quarts of premium plus 2stroke oil , 6 ounces fuel stabilizer.we use this to winterize all outboard and four stroke engines, and mercruiser inboards.always take of the bottom cowlings when replacing spark plugs.do not try to reinstall new plugs with a plug socket. Get a hose , push the plug into the hose then carefully thread the plugs into the heads.finish with a socket torque to 20 ft- lbs
Thanks, Good advice on the fuel mix and the plugs. the bottom plugs are a Pain with the bottom cowling on. Not impossible but you certainly need to be very careful.
Greetings from Greece... thank you...
Your welcome!
If i changed lower gear oil thus spring, do i need to do it again for winterizing? Im new suscribers thanks for video!
I have a Merc Opti 115hp from 2004. I change the lower unit oil every spring. So for you, perhaps just change it next spring; don’t need to worry about it for winterizing. That would be dewinterizing. I hope it helps
@maritimeus love it thanks a bunch. Just a side question. I had a 1995 inboard 3.0 bayliner I am able to whip around without prop slipping or loss of water. Got a 2007 optimax outboard now and I'm not able to do sharp turns and take off without prop slipping or loss of power. So I got new plastic hub and it's better and don't slip anymore. But on sharp turns I do get loss of power and alot of people mention it is the propeller captivating. Any thoughts?
You bring up a good concern, and it’s a concern shared by a lot of boaters with outboards. My only 2 other suggestions are:
1. Try installing a hydrofoil. It’s good for hole shots. There’s a few very good UA-cam videos on these.
2. Consider a new prop, maybe a 4 blade or stainless steel. Could talk to a dealer or marine technician. I don’t have too much information on this.
Good luck
In northern climates always change lower unit in the fall. Freezing temps could cause damage
Would the same spark plug part numbers apply to a 2008 optimax 150? Also, did you need to change the gap size? Thanks!
Where are you located? Great video anyone who knows you is a very lucky person!
NC
I have a 2005 150 v6 and cant find the serialnumber. The sticker are missing so i need to find it some where els on the engine
Thank you very much for this Video!! I am not sure many people winterize engines down here on the Gulf Coast. It very rarely gets below freezing down here. Also, there are many days during the winter months that is a decent day for taking out the boat. If this is the norm, do you think there is any benefit to winterize for us? Sorry, I am newer to boating if this question is any indication. Thanks Again!!
Probably not necessary. I'm in NC and the winters are pretty mild here. YOu can go out a few times but in the case of the Optimax, I just winterize and put it up.
I am in the process of servicing a 150 right now they left this really nice bass boat out in the elements with out a cover . Hasnt been out since 2019 I had to pump the fuel out it was nasty and rancid and I also pull the oil tank and dumped out the old oil and it war really nasty and stunk I took the resivor on the engine unbolted it and dump the oil and it was a good call it was so old it turned to a dark amber color . The cowling sucks to get off you have to take apart the right bank on the wiring harness to get to all the bolts and pull it up out of the way to get to the lower bolt . If you dont pull the lower cowling you are not going to be able to get to nothing on this engine. I just got the water pump done and just put in the lower gear case, Between the fuel tank pump out and the oil pump tank dump and flush and a tune up and I had to order the fuel filter I wish Merc had their fuel filter with the sensor shoved up their a ss my Whole saler in Wash is out of them and on back order they didnt even have Sierra I am glad I bid this job high these engines suck to work on for room . I am including the parts to get the job but I am still good . I spent almost $70,00 just on oil for the main tank and secondary tank for the oil injection . I have to flush the injectors now I hope to get it finished up today my fuel filter will be in tomorrow . Just amazes me how somebody can take a 25,000 fishing boat and shove it out in the weeds to rot . There was rust stains around the oil tank and when I pulled the back seat out there was rust stains on the fuel tank and no access cover for the sending unit good times
I have a 250 Optimax . About a few minutes after its running the alarm sounds 6 times. No loose of power and only when i start it
Would you have any optimax 150 troubleshooting experience by chance?
I don't have direct experience with the 150 but the Mercury manual for this covers both the 135 and the 150 so I think that troubleshooting would be similar if not the same for both.
Hi, thanks for video !! I'm writing from Italy. Where i can get information how i can take apart the lower cover of my 150 optimax? Thanks a lot. Maurizio
You should by a service manual, that will guide you step by step
@@ExtremeDIYGuy Thanks a lot. Another question: how many PSI is the grease pump you used for lubrification point? I'm buying one but i want to be sure to buy a right pump with a right tip.
Take the lower cowling off, take the coil packs off, then you can put the plugs in by hand and have no worries. Ten minutes extra work and you wont regret it
Thanks for the input!
I- This is perfect and informative instuction for Winterizing the engine....
QUESTION: I have been advised by a merc tech there is a way to clean the Air Compressor Oil filet? And Some Servicing of the Air Compressor for winterization? Could you post a video of how to winterise/ service the Air Compressor?
🛥
great video..I have optimax 90 hp..is it the same procedure for my engine? and do i need to run coolent before i winter store it outside..?
The procedure should be the same. I have never used coolant to winterize but if you live in the Northern climes I suppose it might help.
What oil did you use to put in the cylinders. Sorry if I missed it.
No worries, I used Mercury Quicksilver 2 Stroke Oil
Really appreciate this, thanks
You're very welcome!
Great video man. Easy to understand and well explained. Do you have any experience with early 90s mercury 2.5 V6 black max two strokes?
Thanks for the feedback! Unfortunately, I don't.
I have a question I have a 99 optimax I ran it for a week straight and it sat for 2 and a half weeks. Mechanic replaced the lower unit and now when he trys to start it was frozen.
I looked at it put the shifter in foward spun the prop around 4 or 5 times went to start it and it was un frozen. The strange thing when the messed with the lowe unit this when it started.
optimax 150 hp
Is it not locked up anymore?
@@ExtremeDIYGuy If I put it in gear and spin the prob it unlocks.
Im sorry I didnt see this reply no its not locked up First mechanic crossed the 2 cycle line with the air line so it would hydro lock with oil. New Mechanic fixed all issues.@@ExtremeDIYGuy
thanks..great video..
You're welcome!
whats the name of the top cover with the filter.
According to marineengine.com, Mercury calls it a "cover assembly" not very very intuitive.
@@ExtremeDIYGuy If you still have that engine around If you can see if there is a part number cant find it anywhere.