Hi Duke. Really good video. I am in Australia. I have 2010 optimax 250. My compressor went at 501 hours. I was told 500hrs to be ready. It was all to do with that Mexican made grey compressor... the new black one seems fine. I have 1400 hours now and no issues since that first failure... had to replace some injectors and coils but all good now. Thanks for sharing
Follow up comments: After this work was complete, the motor idled poorly. After further investigation and repair, the idle problem was associated with a bad/broken reed and a few poorly performing spark plug wires. Runs good now and back to fishing.
I'd love to see a follow up video on how you made out. Did the compressor make any odd noise to give you any indication that it was failing??? great Information thanks for taking the time.
just curious. why couldn't you just press the old bearing off and replace it with a new one? In my time as an outboard mechanic and shops, I owned there was rarely a time when you couldn't do this. Even if Merc didn't offer the bearing there are bearing shops in most towns. Just have to use a micrometer to get the exact size.... Hope it all worked out for you.
Hello Duke, very clean video. I am hitting the same low RPM issue.(chugging) over 4300rpm. coils and injectors not giving any indicator of n issue. did you have any video of your vst cleaning/fuel pump kit maintenance/ or fuel rail removal/maintenance? i have 483 hours and no codes /warnings. replaced plugs/impeller/and fuelfilter. now the chugging is starting around 4000. how did you diagnose the air compressor? any video? thanks again for this good diagnostic video.
Failed air compressor showed a precessing (wobble) pulley and threw metal shavings in the fuel rails thus clogging the nearest fuel injectors. Check the air compressor pressure for 90psi. Also check compressor for wobble and/or metal shavings inside compressor. I would also inspect the VST bushings and seals. They are probably old and maybe leaking. If any signs of wear, replace all the bushings and seals...about $80. I had a similar problem and the high pressure pump grommet was worn and back pressuring the low pressure pump float bowl causing low flow and starving the engine. Oh...and thanks!
@@dukeduarte8728I'm approaching 450 hours on my 250 pro xs and I'm wondering if the compressor is serviceable? Can it be rebuilt before I experience a similar catastrophic failure?
I’m currently in the situation shaking my head. I don’t understand how a multi million dollar company can’t just use some decent materials when assembling these things. Why source garbage, I just don’t get it.
Is there any trick for removing the air injectors from the rail? I removed the rails and the fuel injectors came out easily enough, but I'm not sure about the proper procedure for removing the air injector from the fuel rail.
I've been told the OEM direct injectors (850065A5) for the 2000 Optimax 225 HP have been replaced with a newer part. Do you have any knowledge in regards to this, and how to test the ohms to verify good or bad parts?
@@dukeduarte8728 how much does it cost to replace the compressor? I am looking at a triton with a 225 black optimax (non pro xs) with 300 hours on it. I just talked to a guy and he told me to replace all the injectors and clean the fuel rail if I get it. It seems like it will be very costly.
@@tlalexander3 about $1300 for the compressor itself. keep an eye on the compressor for any noise like a bearing failure. investigate any abnormal sound. replace unit with any internal bearing failure. One guy here says to just replace a bad bearing, not a bad idea if you catch it early. replacing injectors would be ridiculously expensive. you can send them out for cleaning and flow testing.
I am not that familiar with these engines is the compressor a super charger it boost air into the cylinders . I have a customers 2006 115 hp out here I have no clue how these work I dont have a manual on it , How are the compressors lubricated is there a reservoir for the oil
The compressor boosts air to 80psi into the fuel rails. The unit is lubricated poorly via a tube by the lubrication pump. This is why I think they fail prematurely.
@@dukeduarte8728 So what you are saying is the oil pump for the fuel mixture also supplies oil to the compressor ? Is this vacuum operated like most oil injection pumps? Is this like OMC VRO or does is run with a electric pump? I see the part on here about priming the compressor with the control box with the key on when installing a new pump. So the 80 psi mixes with your fuel in the fuel rail and is injected into your injectors in the cylinder together correct? Thank you for the reply
Once we noticed the power loss, the damage was done. Too late. You would need to pay close attention to the air compressor for any sign of premature failure such as squeaks or pulley precession.
@@danconn2065 inspect it carefully during operation looking for top pulley precession. Also look and see if lubricant is being injected into the pump via the small black tube. You can also take the top pump cover off and inspect the bearings and push rod and check for metal shavings.
Hi Duke. Really good video. I am in Australia. I have 2010 optimax 250. My compressor went at 501 hours. I was told 500hrs to be ready. It was all to do with that Mexican made grey compressor... the new black one seems fine. I have 1400 hours now and no issues since that first failure... had to replace some injectors and coils but all good now. Thanks for sharing
grey vs black? can you provide new compressor P/N?
replaced my 2005 Optimax with a Yamaha 200 4stroke, no more 50 DFI oil, no more unknown errors and random cutoffs, life is good now..
Follow up comments: After this work was complete, the motor idled poorly. After further investigation and repair, the idle problem was associated with a bad/broken reed and a few poorly performing spark plug wires. Runs good now and back to fishing.
did you do a video on replacing the reeds?
@@ryanvarner6520 no...but it is simple but not cheap
How did you test the spark plug wires?
Wow, thanks for sharing.
You bet!
Helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
I'd love to see a follow up video on how you made out. Did the compressor make any odd noise to give you any indication that it was failing??? great Information thanks for taking the time.
there was a faint high pitch squeal
Additional thought is maybe the lubrication system did not properly lubricate this bearing....but this was not confirmed.
Nice
just curious. why couldn't you just press the old bearing off and replace it with a new one? In my time as an outboard mechanic and shops, I owned there was rarely a time when you couldn't do this. Even if Merc didn't offer the bearing there are bearing shops in most towns. Just have to use a micrometer to get the exact size.... Hope it all worked out for you.
good Idea! I was afraid of piston and bore damage caused by the failed bearing material.
Hello Duke, very clean video. I am hitting the same low RPM issue.(chugging) over 4300rpm. coils and injectors not giving any indicator of n issue. did you have any video of your vst cleaning/fuel pump kit maintenance/ or fuel rail removal/maintenance? i have 483 hours and no codes /warnings. replaced plugs/impeller/and fuelfilter. now the chugging is starting around 4000. how did you diagnose the air compressor? any video? thanks again for this good diagnostic video.
Failed air compressor showed a precessing (wobble) pulley and threw metal shavings in the fuel rails thus clogging the nearest fuel injectors.
Check the air compressor pressure for 90psi. Also check compressor for wobble and/or metal shavings inside compressor.
I would also inspect the VST bushings and seals. They are probably old and maybe leaking. If any signs of wear, replace all the bushings and seals...about $80. I had a similar problem and the high pressure pump grommet was worn and back pressuring the low pressure pump float bowl causing low flow and starving the engine.
Oh...and thanks!
@@dukeduarte8728I'm approaching 450 hours on my 250 pro xs and I'm wondering if the compressor is serviceable?
Can it be rebuilt before I experience a similar catastrophic failure?
I’m currently in the situation shaking my head. I don’t understand how a multi million dollar company can’t just use some decent materials when assembling these things. Why source garbage, I just don’t get it.
Is there any trick for removing the air injectors from the rail? I removed the rails and the fuel injectors came out easily enough, but I'm not sure about the proper procedure for removing the air injector from the fuel rail.
I grabbed with my fingers using a pulling and twisting motion and was able to remove.
I've been told the OEM direct injectors (850065A5) for the 2000 Optimax 225 HP have been replaced with a newer part. Do you have any knowledge in regards to this, and how to test the ohms to verify good or bad parts?
No I do not. My original direct injectors tested fine and thus did not need to get into replacements
Damn. You did all that and didn’t take the top cover off. That sounds like something I would do
was the air compressor making a knocking sound?
Yes
How many hours do these air pumps usually last before failure?
Think my motor is at 500 hours when air compressor failed
@@dukeduarte8728 how much does it cost to replace the compressor? I am looking at a triton with a 225 black optimax (non pro xs) with 300 hours on it. I just talked to a guy and he told me to replace all the injectors and clean the fuel rail if I get it. It seems like it will be very costly.
@@tlalexander3 about $1300 for the compressor itself. keep an eye on the compressor for any noise like a bearing failure. investigate any abnormal sound. replace unit with any internal bearing failure. One guy here says to just replace a bad bearing, not a bad idea if you catch it early. replacing injectors would be ridiculously expensive. you can send them out for cleaning and flow testing.
I am not that familiar with these engines is the compressor a super charger it boost air into the cylinders . I have a customers 2006 115 hp out here I have no clue how these work I dont have a manual on it , How are the compressors lubricated is there a reservoir for the oil
The compressor boosts air to 80psi into the fuel rails. The unit is lubricated poorly via a tube by the lubrication pump. This is why I think they fail prematurely.
@@dukeduarte8728 So what you are saying is the oil pump for the fuel mixture also supplies oil to the compressor ? Is this vacuum operated like most oil injection pumps? Is this like OMC VRO or does is run with a electric pump? I see the part on here about priming the compressor with the control box with the key on when installing a new pump. So the 80 psi mixes with your fuel in the fuel rail and is injected into your injectors in the cylinder together correct? Thank you for the reply
Yes...I believe vacuum
@@dukeduarte8728 Ok so you are like me you know a little about it thanks bud for the replies have a good one
Would this ever happen on a 2 stroke ?
this is a 2 stroke
If you shut it down immediately, you should not need to do anything else
Once we noticed the power loss, the damage was done. Too late. You would need to pay close attention to the air compressor for any sign of premature failure such as squeaks or pulley precession.
@@dukeduarte8728 If I have squeaks now... any video or link to other video to diagnose the ACompressor? If I'm early to notice it, what can I do now?
@@danconn2065 inspect it carefully during operation looking for top pulley precession. Also look and see if lubricant is being injected into the pump via the small black tube. You can also take the top pump cover off and inspect the bearings and push rod and check for metal shavings.
Just rebuilt my compressor, $179 for kit
You can buy used air pumps for 300.00
If you shut it down immediately, you shouldn’t need to do anything else
If there is a gradual failure of a bearing and the squeak is slight initially and not noticed, the failure debris will enter the fuel rail.
Engine should have thrown a code, you should have gotten a device to read it. Vessel View Mobile.
this failure mode may not throw a code until it is too late.
Only failed code would be a compressor overheat. Or an direct injector fault