2002 Merc Optimax 200

[Wall-or-Bass]

I hope I am not beating a dead horse, but just wondering if anyone has any insight on a 2002 Merc Optimax 200. I'm looking at a used boat with this engine, and I am a little leary since I heard Merc has had a lot problems with the 2000 - 2002 Opti's. I also read that Merc has recently settled a class action lawsuit regarding those engines.

I've heard to make sure the engine has all the needed updates, but the dealer said this particular engine does not need any (no recalls, updates, etc. using the serial number)

Is there any reason for me to worry? I appreciate any input. Thanks.

[IceAge@work]

I have a 2001 150 Opti and was always told it was the 200 and larger motors that were the problem.

Fact is the fuel delivery system is a problem on all of them during that general time frame. Here is how I understand the problem. It appears a plant in Mexico changed specs. on the fuel injectors without telling Mercury. This has caused many of the injectors to fail and also some problems with the fuel rail.

When mine went down it was technically out of warranty but Merc did step-up and provide the dealer with the injectors for free. I just paid for the labor to have them installed.

It sounds like the main outcome of the class action lawsuit was to extend the warranty on the motor a little less than a year.

As for the motor your looking at by 2002 Merc was well aware of the problem and it was likely sold with at least a 3 year warranty. Check into it but I'm sure the warranty is transferable, along with the extension, as long as you file the appropriate paperwork.

All in all my 150 has been a great performer. 300 plus hours and the injector issue has been the only problem. Great on fuel, quiet, little or no fumes and starts right a way every time.

FYI had the parts not been warrantied the total cost of repair on my 150 would have fallen into the $1200-$1500 dollar range.

Hope the info was helpful.

[Wall-or-Bass]

Thanks for the reply Ice Age. I feeling a little more comfortable now as the dealer said the engine has a new fuel rail.

Do you or anyone else have info on the powerheads, too? From what I have read, it seems the main problems are the fuel injectors/fuel rail and the powerheads. It appears, though, that the majority of powerhead problems are on 2000-2001 engines, so I may not need to worry.

Thanks again.

[walleyefanatic]

I feel compelled to tell my story about my motor here. I have a 2000 Optimax 135 (same powerhead as the 150)and recently (this boating season) it has run flawlessly, but that was not always the case. For the two previous years it was in the shop more than it was on the water. After many angry phone calls to Fond Du Lac (Merc headquarters) they finally stepped up to the plate and covered ALL the work under warranty. The story starts in the spring of '02 when while trolling a fuel injector dropped into a cylinder and pretty much fried the powerhead. Two weeks later I was on the water with a motor with a new powerhead but it wouldn't idle. The next 18 months were spent in and out of the shop, I would get the boat back, it would run fine for a week and then stop idling. What the dealership finally figured out was the fuel rail that was being replaced was not the problem, it was the result of the problem. And none of their fancy computers could tell them that. The brightest spot of the whole situation is the shop experience I had. I had the boat serviced at Sunnyside in Stillwater and each time I picked it up they just let me take it (without settling the bill)and when the boat was finally fixed they helped me deal with Merc to get them to cover it under warranty. Great group of guys down there. It's my understanding there are two fuel rails on the motor (left and right) so if one was replaced on that 200 make sure the other one isn't an issue. When the Optimax is not in the shop I wouldn't trade it for any other motor on the market (quiet, fast, and fuel efficient) and I plan on buying another when the time arrises but you need to be careful when buying one of the motors included in the class action suit (2000-2002 2.5 and 3.1 liter motors).

[Grabs]

I've recently heard of many of these same issues also. Talk with many with the same response, "Great motor,....when its running!"

My honest opinion is if you want a 200HP unit by the Honda 4-stroke. This is the same engine that is used in the Acuras, Honda Pilot and Odessey, it has been put to the test in the automobile market already.

[Wall-or-Bass]

Thanks Guys.

I appreciate the info and input.

[Fishbitten]

I also have a 150 Opti orignally had some minor problems with the sensors going off and preventing the engine from maximum rpms. since this has been adressed I absolutly love it. I was on winnie with very windy conditions drifting with the engine ideling in nuteral bumping in and out of gear for 6 hours without so much as a burp, put the hammer down and without hesitation hit plane and headed in. Great motor!

[Guest]

I will just throw in my 02'. I have a 2000 200 and not one issue on 130hrs. I spoke with Merc about the class action and he said he did not even know why Merc opted to cover the 00 under this case because 01 big blocks were the only motors with real problems. I know if I ever can afford to go new it will be another Opti. Also think of it as supporting an american company with many american workers.

[Wall-or-Bass]

Thanks again for the input.

As it turns out, the dealer was able to find that the original owner purchased an extended warranty, so I'm covered until 2007. That was all I needed to hear. Pulled the trigger and I can't wait to get it out on the water.

[hitthebricks]

a buddy and I both have 2001 200 optis with smartcraft packages and another has a 2000 200 opti and we have all had great performance. Another buddys never did run right and it blew when Franky @ Frankys live bait test drove it and Merc. put in a new power head. There was a idle problem on mine when I first bought it and a software change on the smartcraft package. performance has been what I would expect when I shell out this kind of cash for a top end motor. Merc. even comped me with a new SS prop when they changed the software which raise the programable idle speed. good luck HTB