Mercury Optimax 135 (1999)

bob harris

Recruit
Joined
May 31, 2010
Messages
1
This post relates to two different (I think) problems. Got a check warning engine light for the last 6 to seven years and engine would go into safe mode. Only happen once a month or so and I would just slow down the boat and take off again and all was well. At the same time on an even more irregular basis the engine would stumble and falter on excelleration and at about 7mph (motor is on Starcraft Super Fisherman 196. Felt like the engine was running out of fuel. If I would leave the thottle forward the motor would come to a spasmodic stop. Last Fall while Walleye fishing in Saginaw Bay out 9 miles the engine would not push the boat past 7mph. Took to dealer and computer check found TP1 and TP2 faults. Dealer also checked fuel pressures and compression and found no problems after calling Mercury. Mercury said check for wear in throttle and check adjustments agains spec. Dealer found no wear but out of adjustment. They reset linkage adjustments and I have had only 3 other check engine lights and going into safe mode. Took it out again and engine would falter again and not excellerate. Went 6 miles at 6mph. Took it to dealer and he could not make it repeat and said he could not find the problem but that would be $125 Thank You Very Much. (That was last Fall) I did not have another problem until yesterday (out 9 miles)and same thing happened. Turned it off and let it set for 10 minutes and tried again and it worked perfectly. This is an intermittant problem. When it runs it runs like a new one. No rough idle, easy to start, runs perfect until this happens. Not rhyme or reason when. Could used some direction.
Thanks
Bob
 

sschefer

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Messages
4,530
Re: Mercury Optimax 135 (1999)

The best advice I can think of is to find a better mechanic. The fault codes should be in the ECU/ECM. Take it to someone that has more experience with Opti's and shop labor rates.
 

gixxerjim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
171
Re: Mercury Optimax 135 (1999)

My father in law has the same exact symptoms with his '99 135hp Optimax. Couldn't get out of the no-wake with him yesterday. Back on the trailer. This has been an intermittent problems for the last 3 years he has owned the boat (Sea Ray 19' Sundeck).

He is at his wit's end. Dealership has seen this boat I would estimate 10 times for these issues.
 
Top