FAQ - COMMONLY ASKED/USED POSTS (Look here first): Updated 04/2024
GENERAL PRODUCT INFO AND MAINTENANCE:
Optimax Engine Break-In
HOW TO FIND YOUR SERIAL NUMBER
FUEL LINES AND PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS
INFO: Select Optimax Engines Serial Number 1B976519-2B012682
Optimax Engine Changes, 1/2013 and later
Gen-2 Torquemaster (aka: Wingmaster) Setup Suggestions
SUCCESSFUL Gen-2 Torquemaster Setups
FUEL LINES AND PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS
"BATTERIES THAT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS" - NEW AND IMPROVED LIST 7/20!
TORQUE SPECS
Heavy-Duty Racing Hub Kit Installation (solid or SSR for 1.25" Propshaft)
Warranty Information/Guide for Consumers
PM-1 Experiences and Warranty Poll
ProXS Engines: OIL RECOMMENDATION CHANGE
200 ProXS Model Changes- February, 2012
Oil, Battery, Spark Plugs, Fuel and Fuel Additive Recommendations
OIL IDENTIFICATION by Part Numbers
Importance of Proper Spark Plug Gap
DON'T use Aftermarket Spark Plugs in your Opti!
Recommended Annual Maintenance or Winterization for Optimax Engines
Compressor STRAINER Cleaning
How do I change the gear lube on my 3L Gearcase- can't find drain plug
Bleeding air from the Engine Mounted Oil Tank
Proper Warmup and Cold Water Operation
Engine Shutdown Precautions after a HARD RUN (Especially in cold water)
Thermostat removal/replacement for Optimax Engines
Compression Testing
"Water Pressure 101"- Poppet Valves and Variables with Water Pressure
1.5L (75-125hp 3 cyl) Optimax Water Pump Replacement
3 Liter Water Pump Replacement (Sherm's Tips)
Red-Capped Water Separating Filter Removal and Replacement
Torquemaster VS. Verado Gearcase Identification
Mercury Marine Engine Products
4-Shutter Intake Idle Speed Adjustment
Striker Plates- Performance
Striker Plate Replacement Information
WARNING HORN "BEEPED"
FUEL AND ETHANOL TOPICS:
Mercury OFFERS- INEXPENSIVE FUEL "ETHANOL CONTENT TESTER"
What Ethanol does to your engine... fuel lines & system!
Mercury's View of Ethanol Fuel (Original Article)
MERCURY Fuel System Care Products- Know the FACTS, avoid the MYTHS
Ethanol Free Gas Stations List (US)
Fuel Rail and Direct Injector Removal
SMARTCRAFT INSTALLATION AND MERCMONITOR:
MercMonitor Versions and Information
Mercury VesselView Link Module
Mercury VesselView Mobile
MercMonitor Installation: (Currently looking for documented install)
NMEA-2000 Stand-Alone Gateway "stick"
NMEA-0183 Connection Information with Diaghram
NMEA-2000 Gateway Connections (L1 or Higher MercMonitor- or Gateway Stick)
LIVEWELL TEMP MOD
DIGITAL TRIM SENSOR INSTALLATION
How to Disassemble A Smartcraft Cable Connector
Simple NMEA-2K Network Layout
Vesselview Mobile Connection Problems? Try this...
Vesselview Mobile Module doesn't connect: LOCATION SERVICES OFF?
Vessel View LINK communication problems with Lowrance?
V6 Optimax Digital to Analog Trim Converter
GEAR RATIO:
Determining your Gearcase "Gear Ratio"- Without removing Gearcase
Mods and Such:
Gen-1 ONLY Torque Master Lower Unit Blockoff Plug Install W/Pics
3L O-ringed Cylinder Head Cutting/CC Service @ JSRE
3 Liter Cowl Mods
OK... Let's talk about XB Mods
Rigging Flange Kit for earlier 3L and ProXB Models (unlisted flange)
3L Optimax/EFI/XS/ProXS Rattling?
Poor Performance- 3L EFI or Optimax, PLUGGED EXHAUST TUNER
300X (Downdraft Intake Style) TPS Bracket Mod
300X Throttle Plate Setting
225 EFI, 250 EFI, 300 ProMax Throttle Plate Airgap
Adding an LED Warning Light to Warning Horn Circuit
REED CAGE LAPPING
HIGH SPEED SCOOP KIT INSTALLATION
Cowling Sound Blanket - Sound Dampening
DUAL TEMP SENDERS TO MONITOR INDIVIDUAL CYLINDER HEAD TEMPS
COMMON QUESTIONS/ITEMS:
Hotfoot Adjustment/Setup
Push-to-Enrich Start Modification (Laser-Style EFI engines)
Common Wire Colors (Mercury)
SILVER Torquemaster Paint
Hydraulic Steering Bleeding/Purging or Installation Instructions
EFI Pressure Regulator/Final Filter
Trim Rod Endcap Removal Tool
Alternative Oils?
2.5L Poppet Valve Kit
Checkout Recommendations for a Used Engine
Contacting Don for Technical Support
Should you see something that you feel should be on this list (or note an error), please send me a PM.
