afishinado21
Cadet
- Joined
- May 2, 2004
- Messages
- 11
i'm having a problem with my 2000 225 Optimax s/n: OT019377, purchased new in 2000. Every year, during spring startup I change NGK plugs, air filter, fuel filter, lower unit oil, etc... Also replaced my batteries for the first time in 5 years. Was running dual 680 MCA Starting batteries installed by the dealer. Purchased dual West Marine brand 665 MCA as replacement. I boat in the LI Sound (10% Ethanol) region.<br /><br />Initially the motor started up very quickly and easily, ran for a 5-10 minutes, then stops. Tried to startup again, this time it barely catches then stalls. Continue trying multiple times with similar result barely catches and dies. Then, all of a sudden, motor starts strong with no issue, all seems normal. It'll run anywhere from 1 minute to 15 minutes and beyond then again just stops. Same cycle all over again of barely catching/stalling until it starts normally. <br /><br />Even with the above symptoms, I was able to go out last week and run for a full 20-30 minutes, various speeds without an issue. Tried going out again the other day, slowly moving forward up the creek, when the motor started shaking and running very rough like it was about to stall. This time the Check Engine Light comes on with no audible alarm. Try to limp at minimum to the nearest dock when all of a sudden everything is back to normal, RPMs come back and motor is operating normally. On my way back to my slip it again starts to run rough, check engine light comes on with no audible alarms. I'm able to make it back but unable to start the engine normally after multiple trys.<br /><br />I've checked the basics like spark plug wire and fuel filter. No water in filter, all else looks fine but then again I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I have to wait until mid June for a certified Optimax repair shop be able to look at the engine.<br /><br />Anyone out there come across a similar issue or have any ideas on would cause this intermittant problem? Could one of the new plugs be bad? Spark plug wire is bad? Fuel problem? New battery issue?<br /><br />Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks...