[makomarkp]

Im looking at a 2000 22FT Rabalo with a 2000 200HP optimax. The boat motor and trailer are spotless. The owner seems like a great guy and very honest person. He said he never had any problems... Everything looks well maintained...Im going to have a merc Teck look at the motor and hook it up to a computer, But im looking for some info from anyone that ownes one....PLEASE DONT JUST BASH THE MOTOR BECAUSE YOU LIKE YAMAHAs, E TECS, SUZUKIS, ECT....I need honest advice PLEASE..
THANK YOU, MARK

 

[Fishbust]

Motors...

They are all good.

They all have a few bugs when a new design first comes out, as with everything else. This is where bashing comes from. Bashing is just bs. All the marine engine manufacturers make a good product.

Your Optimax will realize better fuel economy and lower emissions than the earlier tech motors.

 

[treypescatorie]

Optimax

I have a 2000 200 optimax. The engine has been almost flawless until this year. Replaced the starte solenoid about three years ago. This year engine stalls at idle. I am in the middle of troubleshooting the problem.
All in all it is a reliable engine that is fuel efficent and uses very little oil.

Paul

 

[612929]

stalling

Hi Trey,
Check your fuel for water and percentage of ethanol. Small amounts of water will create stall/rough running in injected motors. The ethanol percentage could be anywhere from 10%- 48% at filling stations. I have personally tested fuel up to 30% alcohol, very bad for a DFI 2stroke. I know it's a pain, but it pays to test alcohol percentage. I have not yet found less than 10% personally. I trailer and fuel on the road. Tanker drivers are the one's that do the alcohol mixing when they fill up at fuel depots as far as I know. So the percentage is very subjective. They should all be tested before they leave so the consumer gets what they are paying for. More alcohol=more problems and less efficiency....

...Steve

 

[treypescatorie]

Alcohol

Thanks for the info steve. I will look into that after I check a few things. I suspect low fuel pressure in the rails.
Paul

 

[Bigkeepers]

You probably are realizing a fuel problem there with the stalling at idle. But you also have to think about the IAC motor as well and you have to take into account that those high pressure fuel pumps need preventive maintenance every three seasons.

The ethanol is added to the tankers at the depot before they deliver the gas to the stations. That is why you never know if there is more or less than 10% ethanol by volume. It usually is more but I'd be surprised to find that it is a lot more than 15% or so. The other problem is when the cheapo gas stations use methanol instead of ethanol. Methanol and ethanol do not mix at all and will instantly cause a phase separation in your gas tank. I don't go to Metro Gas, Star Gas or those other cheap stations in lower income neighborhoods unless I am desperately low (running on fumes.) Testing the gas you buy for ethanol content is real easy to do with a graduated cylinder and small turkey baster or something to add the water slowly and accurately.