Gavin Andresen
22.04.2021 18:41:09
Ayuh. Outboards are self-draining, 'n antifreeze is Not used, at All.
See full version: Winterizing a 1999 200 HP Optimax
Ayuh. Outboards are self-draining, 'n antifreeze is Not used, at All.
Re: Winterizing a 1999 200 HP Optimax [links]
Thanks for responding Bond-o. This is my first winter with this engine, all of the other outboards I've previously owned never required antifreeze but when I purchased this engine the mechanic that installed the outboard told me that this particular model and year required the cooling system to be flushed with antifreeze due to the water jacket. Maybe he was just trying to drum up a little extra business but I wanna be sure before winter comes rolling in. Thanks again for the input.
The gear lube in the outboard lower unit should also be changed every 100 hours or once a season – check your owner’s manual for the specific service interval. Any water in the gear lube can freeze and expand during storage, potentially cracking the gearcase. As you drain the old lube, inspect it carefully. If gear lube appears white or creamy, it may indicate the presence of water in the lubricant. This is an indication that the propeller shaft seal may be compromised and is allowing water to contaminate the lubricant, which could cause severe damage to the gears. If water is suspected to be present in the gearcase, a pressure check of the gearcase should be completed by an authorized dealer. Refill the gearcase with fresh lubricant using a quality marine-specific product such as Mercury High Performance Gear Lube, following the instructions in your owner’s manual. here
“After you change the oil, it’s always a good idea to start the engine again, to circulate fresh oil through the engine and to check for leaks,” suggests Hurney. “It’s not uncommon for the oil filter gasket to stick to the engine and, if it’s not removed, oil can leak past the old gasket after a new filter is installed. I’ve seen engines ruined because the owner didn’t notice engine oil leaking out past a doubled gasket.” more
Most outboards have some grease zerks or other lubrication points that should be serviced. Consult your owner’s manual to see where your outboard needs grease.
The procedure for off-season storage is outlined in every Mercury owner’s manual, and with a few basic tools and the proper supplies, those inclined to do-it-yourself can usually tackle the task. In fact, many late-model Mercury outboards, including the new 4.6-liter V8 and 3.4-liter V6 models, have a label under the cowl with basic maintenance specifications and a QR code that can be scanned with a mobile device for links to how-to videos produced by Mercury.
If it’s a lead-acid battery, inspect the fluid level and add distilled water, if needed. Be sure the battery is fully charged, remove it from the boat, and store it in a cool, dry place. Storing the battery on a maintenance charger will keep it charged and fresh until spring.
that's very interesting. if the fuel economy [7.0mpg max] is like my 200xs that could one very interesting motor. here
How come so many people are getting the 2.5xs (2.5L 225xs) and the 250xs (3.0L) confused. And where in the world does the 2.4L enter this picture. confused: more
This chart might help. (and I see the part numbers are NOT the same for the 200 Opti vs. the 225 Opti in 2001. I don't know what the differences are, it might be just tighter heads, or different reeds, or more substantial differences such as port timing. or some combination of the above)
I understand that the 200 HP and 225 HP Optimax engines share many components, firstly is this correct ?
the block is the diffrence (ports etc) , the only thing about the ecu upgrade is supplying the extra fuel for the extra h.p. everything else is the same. all the parts are the same other than the ecu fuel curve and the block.
Question, wouldn't fogging sorta accomplish the same thing? more
Re: 2002 135hp Mercury Optimax Winterizing
Just curious, have you discussed it with a mechanic or anyone on the list? I don't want to doubt you, but it makes me a bit nervous not to do it.
I suppose one option would be to oil the 4 cylinders that I can get to without trouble and forget about the other two. Maybe I could do them every other year. more