'01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

[Hooked]

Kind of a noob question here, but I looked through the archives on this forum without much luck:<br /><br />What are your opinions on an experienced automotive engine mechanic being able to REPLACE (not rebuild) a powerhead on a 225 '01 Opti?<br /><br />If feasible, what is the recommended documentation path (service manuals, etc)?<br /><br />Thanks for your input...

 

[rodbolt]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

Hello<br /> yes but only if you forget you ever worked on an automobile. buy the shop merc service manual. post a sticky that says no silly cone. do the entire job replaceing the water pump as well as the pump housing and wear plates. have the compressor engine checked/rebuilt or replaced.when its all reasembled take it to a merc dealer to have him check/initialize it with a lap top to insure all the sensors and fuel rail pressures are correct. a monky can almost unbolt and rebolt.<br /> good luck and keep posting.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

oh<br /> I forgot to add. if you are talented enough to replace it you may be enough to rebuild it, its not very difficult just excacting and takes time.

 

[Hooked]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

Rodbolt -<br />Great input - thanks! I'm looking at a boat with a submerged 225 on it - what other potential impact (besides the lower) could it have had? Will any other electronics need to be replaced?<br /><br />Is there any chance in rebuilding it, with it being submerged? Any places that you recommend I check with for parts, etc?<br /><br />Thanks for the feedback!

 

[BRIAN03]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

You need access to Mercury DDT scan tool. You need to ask the question Why did it fail? You dont want to put a fresh power head on to fail the new one. You need to prime the oil system(after install of new powerhead) that is done with the DDT. You should run diag. to see what happened to the old power head. I would not put the power head on and roll the dice. There not cheap power heads. Did it over heat or have an injector go bad. You wont know without the DDT.

 

[Hooked]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

Brian -<br />As the story goes, the engine was submerged, as is now seized. That being said, I agree with you statement completely. Seems like the safest route, if only just to provide a little more insurance to the new/rebuilt powerhead.<br /><br />Being one who is a DIYer: Are all scan tools created equal? Anyone have any experience with something like this: http://www.sterndrives.com/ddt01.html <br /><br />Thanks for the info!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

hello<br /> the motor is a junker<br /> you will find not only the powerhead but the aircompressor is toast. all the electrics will fail. and they are very expensive. I would imagine the fuel system is still full of water. this is a parts motor now. my advice would be to keep looking.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[dick]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

rodbolt is right , unless the engine was under for less then few hours then brought up and completly diasassembled (I mean everything starter ,alternator,compresser ect.) and cleaned ,dried and oiled it's junk.You best be looking for another engine.

 

[Hooked]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

Thanks guys for the advice. A couple of questions if I wanted to repower then:<br /><br />1) Are there major improvements/advancements between the '01/'02/'03 Optimax? In my research here and elsewhere, it looks like the tuning on each may be slightly different.<br /><br />2) Any idea what the submerged engine would bring as parts (ballpark)?<br /><br />Thanks everyone!

 

[DJ]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

Hooked,<br /><br />You would get more for it if you part it out. I would think the lower unit could bring close to $1,000.00, if it's exceptional.<br /><br />The rest is all e-bay material.

 

[BRIAN03]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

Hooked My rule a is if they have been down they need to come apart the minute the come up. I also feel they are junk. I'm not saying fix them. There is more to putting an opti. on as to a carbed power head that all I was saying. Once water is inside them there doomed. good luck.

 

[Hooked]

Re: '01 OptiMax Powerhead replacement

Finally got a closer look at this engine. Basically it was manufactured 4/02. The lower unit was replaced two hours before it went under, and the hours are showing right around 60. Don't really know the history of why it needed a lower so early in it's life. The rest of the engine is, well, salty. I think I'll take the advice and steer clear.<br /><br />Thanks for the advice, guys!