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Author Topic:   1999 Mecury OptiMax Air Compressor Failure

themacdonaldclan posted 09-12-2011 01:58 PM ET (US)
Hi everyone, long time lurker and follower, but first time posting. I have a [1999] 21 Conquest with a 200 OptiMax. I've owned this boat for about four years now and am the third owner. The last owner did have it marina maintained as do I. I'm not a shade tree mechanic or tinkerer, so I do rely on service from the marina. I don't know how many hours are on this motor, but I do fish a lot each year here in Long Island Sound so would think I put about 150 to 200-hours per season on this. Things I've replaced: the trim-tilt last year, had the lower rebuilt this spring, and a new starter installed. This July the high pressure fuel hose clamp disintegrated and I fixed that.
The past few weeks the motor has been very hard to start, taking up to ten times of cranking and starting then dying. Rinse repeat for up to ten times. At idle it would seem to surge between 500 and 700-RPM trying to find idle. At speeds over 1,200-RPM the engine would run great. I spoke in passing with the outboard mechanic at the marina and he said, "sounds like the tracker valve." As they're backed up I put in a service ticket but was waiting to get it looked at.
This past weekend some buddies and I went out fishing for the day, and, as we we're filling up, one of my buddies noticed a distinct ticking sound as he was bending in to check the oil for me. I listened as well and the best I can describe it sounded like a ticking as a car valve would. It disappeared at higher engine speed, but could have been drowned out with the NOISE--I don't know. After a full day of fishing we were switching up spots and going about 5-MPH, and the engine quit. It seemed similar to an alternator going. The motor would not crank and the voltage (per my Raymarine A65) dropped from the usual 12 to 13-Volts to about 11.8-Volts. It was about 10:30-p.m., so I called and had Sea Tow tow us in.
Sunday morning went down to the boat and took off the cowling to inspect the situation. We turned it over and saw the air compressor was locked tight. The belt would attempt to spin and the AC didn't budge. I also noticed what seemed to be an increased amount of oil on the engine and oil reservoir. The reservoir cap was tight. I have not yet spoken to the service dept but will soon. I understand this will be an expensive fix.
What to do? I'm not a rich man and have some reservations about putting more money into a sinking ship. Could this failure cause other things to go boom soon? I'd hate to drop a couple grand into the [repair of the air compressor] and then have the power head go in a few weeks. This would be akin to throwing money out the window. I'm don't mind the NOISE of the OptiMax, but the Admiral doesn't like it.
In summary, I am looking for some expert opinions on whether the OptiMax is worth continuing to invest in and maintain. Or whether to look at re-powering. Keep in mind I am in Connecticut, and don't have a practical way to trailer it across country for a good deal. If looking at re-powering, I'm interested in which is the best option for price and return on investment. I am not planning on selling this boat anytime soon as the family loves to enjoy water sports and visiting islands. Thanks in advance for any insight you have.
tedious posted 09-12-2011 02:42 PM ET (US)
Always a tough call, but I think your Optimax is showing the classic signs of "end of useful life." Needing a series of repairs of escalating costs is the primary factor that would lead me to move on, with the safety of your family being the second.
New motors are expensive, but you'll be amazed at how much a quiet, modern motor improves the family boating experience.
Tim
themclos posted 09-12-2011 02:47 PM ET (US)
I am making the assumption that your Optimax is original to the boat and thus is a 1999 model year.
Mercury has completely redesigned the compressor for the Optimax.
I do not know the cost of replacing the compressor, but before you assume it will be too much, you should get an estimate. The mechanic should also be able to definitively tell you how many hours are on the motor, as this is recorded in the motor's computer.
The cost of the repair, combined with the knowledge of the actual number of hours the motor has seen, should help you determine if you want to repair this motor, or look at other options.
Dan
Mambo Minnow posted 09-12-2011 08:52 PM ET (US)
I have the same year boat/engine combo. My tilt/trim needs repair/replacement.
I'd be curious if you replaced whole unit and how much it cost.
If you decide to repower, take a good look at the new Yamaha 4.2L V-6 Offshore series. This hull also had the Verado 225 mounted on late year Ventura 21's.
Either option, looking at $20,000 easy.
themacdonaldclan posted 09-13-2011 11:42 AM ET (US)
Thanks all for the replies. I talked with the service department at the marina this morning. They are going to go down and have a look-see this week and give me an estimate and opinion on fix versus replace.
Mambo Minnow--I replaced the trim-tilt unit last year and it was just about $2,000 to replace with a new one. I already received a quote on a new Yamaha F200TXR; installed right about $18,500. I'll let you all know what happens. Thanks again
Tohsgib posted 09-13-2011 01:26 PM ET (US)
1999 Mercury OptiMax engines were not the most reliable, but you seem to have a good one as it is still running--kind of. I would do two things: fix and sell, or replace. Since you have owned her for a while you might want a change, and now is the time to do it. If you love the boat, either find a nice used four-cycle engine or a new one--depends on your budget. Used engines are easier and easier to find. Many rich people have no qualms replacing a two-year-old engine for more power or newer technology. My friend just got a sweet 2007 Yamaha 225 for $7,000 from a dealer. Guy traded it in with like 350-hours on it.
martyn1075 posted 09-14-2011 01:03 AM ET (US)
I already replaced both power trim units on newer OptiMax model.
[Changed topic. Please start a new thread to change the topic of discussion to something completely new. Thank you.--jimh]
jimh posted 09-15-2011 09:24 AM ET (US)
If shopping for a good deal on a new outboard engine, take Nick with you.

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Author	Topic: 1999 Mecury OptiMax Air Compressor Failure
themacdonaldclan	posted 09-12-2011 01:58 PM ET (US) Hi everyone, long time lurker and follower, but first time posting. I have a [1999] 21 Conquest with a 200 OptiMax. I've owned this boat for about four years now and am the third owner. The last owner did have it marina maintained as do I. I'm not a shade tree mechanic or tinkerer, so I do rely on service from the marina. I don't know how many hours are on this motor, but I do fish a lot each year here in Long Island Sound so would think I put about 150 to 200-hours per season on this. Things I've replaced: the trim-tilt last year, had the lower rebuilt this spring, and a new starter installed. This July the high pressure fuel hose clamp disintegrated and I fixed that. The past few weeks the motor has been very hard to start, taking up to ten times of cranking and starting then dying. Rinse repeat for up to ten times. At idle it would seem to surge between 500 and 700-RPM trying to find idle. At speeds over 1,200-RPM the engine would run great. I spoke in passing with the outboard mechanic at the marina and he said, "sounds like the tracker valve." As they're backed up I put in a service ticket but was waiting to get it looked at. This past weekend some buddies and I went out fishing for the day, and, as we we're filling up, one of my buddies noticed a distinct ticking sound as he was bending in to check the oil for me. I listened as well and the best I can describe it sounded like a ticking as a car valve would. It disappeared at higher engine speed, but could have been drowned out with the NOISE--I don't know. After a full day of fishing we were switching up spots and going about 5-MPH, and the engine quit. It seemed similar to an alternator going. The motor would not crank and the voltage (per my Raymarine A65) dropped from the usual 12 to 13-Volts to about 11.8-Volts. It was about 10:30-p.m., so I called and had Sea Tow tow us in. Sunday morning went down to the boat and took off the cowling to inspect the situation. We turned it over and saw the air compressor was locked tight. The belt would attempt to spin and the AC didn't budge. I also noticed what seemed to be an increased amount of oil on the engine and oil reservoir. The reservoir cap was tight. I have not yet spoken to the service dept but will soon. I understand this will be an expensive fix. What to do? I'm not a rich man and have some reservations about putting more money into a sinking ship. Could this failure cause other things to go boom soon? I'd hate to drop a couple grand into the [repair of the air compressor] and then have the power head go in a few weeks. This would be akin to throwing money out the window. I'm don't mind the NOISE of the OptiMax, but the Admiral doesn't like it. In summary, I am looking for some expert opinions on whether the OptiMax is worth continuing to invest in and maintain. Or whether to look at re-powering. Keep in mind I am in Connecticut, and don't have a practical way to trailer it across country for a good deal. If looking at re-powering, I'm interested in which is the best option for price and return on investment. I am not planning on selling this boat anytime soon as the family loves to enjoy water sports and visiting islands. Thanks in advance for any insight you have.
tedious	posted 09-12-2011 02:42 PM ET (US) Always a tough call, but I think your Optimax is showing the classic signs of "end of useful life." Needing a series of repairs of escalating costs is the primary factor that would lead me to move on, with the safety of your family being the second. New motors are expensive, but you'll be amazed at how much a quiet, modern motor improves the family boating experience. Tim
themclos	posted 09-12-2011 02:47 PM ET (US) I am making the assumption that your Optimax is original to the boat and thus is a 1999 model year. Mercury has completely redesigned the compressor for the Optimax. I do not know the cost of replacing the compressor, but before you assume it will be too much, you should get an estimate. The mechanic should also be able to definitively tell you how many hours are on the motor, as this is recorded in the motor's computer. The cost of the repair, combined with the knowledge of the actual number of hours the motor has seen, should help you determine if you want to repair this motor, or look at other options. Dan
Mambo Minnow	posted 09-12-2011 08:52 PM ET (US) I have the same year boat/engine combo. My tilt/trim needs repair/replacement. I'd be curious if you replaced whole unit and how much it cost. If you decide to repower, take a good look at the new Yamaha 4.2L V-6 Offshore series. This hull also had the Verado 225 mounted on late year Ventura 21's. Either option, looking at $20,000 easy.
themacdonaldclan	posted 09-13-2011 11:42 AM ET (US) Thanks all for the replies. I talked with the service department at the marina this morning. They are going to go down and have a look-see this week and give me an estimate and opinion on fix versus replace. Mambo Minnow--I replaced the trim-tilt unit last year and it was just about $2,000 to replace with a new one. I already received a quote on a new Yamaha F200TXR; installed right about $18,500. I'll let you all know what happens. Thanks again
Tohsgib	posted 09-13-2011 01:26 PM ET (US) 1999 Mercury OptiMax engines were not the most reliable, but you seem to have a good one as it is still running--kind of. I would do two things: fix and sell, or replace. Since you have owned her for a while you might want a change, and now is the time to do it. If you love the boat, either find a nice used four-cycle engine or a new one--depends on your budget. Used engines are easier and easier to find. Many rich people have no qualms replacing a two-year-old engine for more power or newer technology. My friend just got a sweet 2007 Yamaha 225 for $7,000 from a dealer. Guy traded it in with like 350-hours on it.
martyn1075	posted 09-14-2011 01:03 AM ET (US) I already replaced both power trim units on newer OptiMax model. [Changed topic. Please start a new thread to change the topic of discussion to something completely new. Thank you.--jimh]
jimh	posted 09-15-2011 09:24 AM ET (US) If shopping for a good deal on a new outboard engine, take Nick with you.