Re: Cold running an Optimax (shermsmarine)
Great post Sherm. This applies to all DFI engines with close tolerances.
Re: Cold running an Optimax (Won Hunglo)
Great post!
Now is there a way to install a temp gauge short of going with the expensive Smart Craft system? If not can you install the Smart Craft system on an existing motor. Also, what would that cost (approximately)?
Re: Cold running an Optimax (shermsmarine)
This sounds like good info for all 2 strokes, correct? http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif
Re: Cold running an Optimax (MikeBTexas)
I'm with Muskie can a temp gage be added . I have a 99 200 opti
Re: Cold running an Optimax (Bassman)
That was a really interesting post.
Thanks
JT Bagwell
Re: Cold running an Optimax (Muskie Treats)
Guy's if you have a '02 or newer motor that is Smart Craft ready I'd recommend installing a Smart Craft SC1000 system monitor.. It will give you an accurate eng. temp along with several other very useful/important features.(depending on application)
There are 2 styles available..The original square faced unit that's $211.00 (MSRP) or a newer round faced version that's $237.80 (MSRP) The only other thing you need is the data cable and it's $75.65 (MSRP)
The square monitor fits in a 2 1/8 " hole like trim or water psi gauge would while the round version requires a 3 3/8 " hole which is the same size as a standard tach or speedo...
I personally would not be without the valuable info of what SmartCraft offers so I will even do this....
Any of you that are registered BBC members and have SmartCraft compatible rigs and interested in upgrading your rigs to this I'll sell you a monitor (your choice) and data cable at a 15% discount off of the above prices and include shipping to your door...... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif Sherm
UPDATE... This post is from back in '05 so prices are incorrect today...I do still give BBC member's 10% on all parts & accessories and still offer free freight......10/6/08
Re: Cold running an Optimax (shermsmarine)
Sherm thanks for the great information. Just got off the phone with my service tech. I have the SC1000 with my Opti and I asked him why I don't have temp readout. Oops!! It should have been programed in when I bought my Ranger. They also didn't provide me with a manuel so I could program it myself. He has one on his desk with my name on it now. Again thanks for the great information.
Re: Cold running an Optimax (Hersh185)
How do we know if our motor is Smart Craft ready? I've got an 04 soon to be 05.
Does anyone know what size hole in-dash flashers use? My boat came with a Zercom that prompty broke after warrenty so I have that space available. Otherwise I don't know where I'd put it on a 04 Procraft 210SP. Any ideas?
Also, my friend has a 99 with a recently replaced powerhead that would also like to upgrade as well. Any information about the compatibility of that motor?
Re: Cold running an Optimax (Muskie Treats)
All Opti's & V6 EFI's '02 and newer are SmartCraft ready along w/ several 4 stroke EFI's....
I think the flasher uses a 3 3/8" hole
The ' 99 isn't unless they upgraded it with a completely dressed powerhead so it's newer than ' 02.........Sherm
Re: Cold running an Optimax (shermsmarine)
Sherm,
In your opinion, do you think there are more problems with DFI motors up north where the water is colder because of this issue?
Thanks.
Re: Cold running an Optimax (ChrisR71)
Sherm I have Smart Craft on my 01 225 I think that it monitors the temp on 1 head only,is there a way to change it to both heads. Matt
Re: Cold running an Optimax (shermsmarine)
So if I order one can install this myself? How difficult is it for a DIY guy?
Re: Cold running an Optimax (shermsmarine)
Great information, Sherm! Hope it saves future problems for our memebers. Is the new Opti 225 Pro XS compatible with the Smart Craft SC 1000?
Re: Cold running an Optimax (brenlen)
Sherm, this is very good information, thanks.
Now, a question for you.
I just purchased a 1999 Champion, with a '99 150 Opti-Max on it.
Is this motorcapable of using this system setup? and what is entailed to install this, if indeed it is capable of using the system?
Thanks!!
Re: Cold running an Optimax (brenlen)
All of the Mercury engines that are "SmartCraft Ready" should have a decal on the engine cowl that states: "SmartCraft Ready". Even the small EFI 4 strokes are "SmartCraft" ready. This means you have a variety of guage options from the small, simple system monitor to the larger (tv-like screen) system-view system.
The guages are multi-function, but all provide pgtails out the back of the guage so you can add (or link) to additional guages if you want that 747 instrument panel look!!
Re: Cold running an Optimax (sosmerc)
http://www.mercurymarine.com/united_states
Click on SmartCraft on the left hand side and there are additional links to a chart that shows the various guage options and features available for particular engine models.
Re: Cold running an Optimax (sosmerc)
Let's try this again, so pay attention............I was asking if the 99 opti max 150's were able to use one of the systems Sherm was talking about............got it??
Re: Cold running an Optimax (namgrunt)
The 99's ARE NOT "Smartcraft Ready"...they are considered "Analog" motors...you have to have a "Digital" model in order to hook up to ANY of the SmartCraft guages.
There are Analog to Digital Conversion Kits available, but they are for 2000 Optimax engines...not the 99's.
Sounds like you are outa luck if you want to go SmartCraft!
Re: Cold running an Optimax (sosmerc)
No, as the Champion has a 4 way type of monitor on the dash that acts like a monitor and informs you of trouble.
I found this out today. But after the thread was posted. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif