Thread: Optimax Help

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  1. #1
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    Optimax Help

    I'm hoping I might be able to get a little advice.

    2006 225 HP Optimax S/N 1B242745

    Took the boat out yesterday and idled away from the launch for 5-10 minute, then the motor slowly died. Coughed a couple times trying to restart, but eventually nothing.

    When I got home, the section of the fuel pump assembly that has the fuel filter in it was dry, no fuel. Thinking I had a fuel line issue, I messed around with the bulb and eventually got the fuel filter canister to fill with fuel.

    Motor still won't start. Not even an attempt.

    Motor has new fuel filter, new plugs, is getting spark to the plugs, and I can hear the fuel pump run when I turn the key.
    Motor turns over fine, and the battery is charged.

    Any suggestions that a shade tree mechanic can try before I take it to the dealer?

    Thanks.

  2. Member lpugh's Avatar
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    #2
    Is the starter cranking the motor?
    Lanyard kill switch reset
    Was the bulb pumped until it feels solid
    Can you hear the fuel pumps run for a few seconds at key on
    Be sure to check the fuses
    Spark to all cylinders when cranking
    Thank You Leon Pugh

  3. Member
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    #3
    Is the starter cranking the motor?... Yes, cranks over fine.
    Lanyard kill switch reset.....Kill switch is good. Checked it 10 times.
    Was the bulb pumped until it feels solid.......Yes bulb is solid
    Can you hear the fuel pumps run for a few seconds at key on......Yes I can hear the pump running.
    Be sure to check the fuses.....What fuses, I cannot see any under the cowl?
    Spark to all cylinders when cranking.....Yes spark to all cylinders.

    Thanks you.

  4. Member
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    #4
    Quote Originally Posted by lpugh View Post
    Be sure to check the fuses
    Found the fuses all 4 are good.

  5. Member
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    #5
    Check the fuel pressure.



  6. Member lpugh's Avatar
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    #6
    And air, low and high presure fuel
    Thank You Leon Pugh

  7. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #7
    You might want to fully-charge your cranking battery and load test it. Though likely NOT the original problem- it's quite easy to have a battery that's strong enough to spin the starter but NOT strong enough to keep the MPR closed, injectors and coils firing, etc. etc.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
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  8. Member
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    #8
    Thanks for the suggestions, so far nothing has worked, and checking fuel and air pressures is out of my capability.
    I'm going to get it into a dealer and let the experts take over.
    I'll post an update when I find out more.

    Thanks again.

  9. Member
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    #9
    I thought I'd give an update on this.

    The problem turned out to be an inlet valve in the pump housing. It would not allow fuel to get from the filter section of the housing to the high/low fuel pump side of the housing.

    I'm back on the water!

  10. Member
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    #10
    Thanks for letting us know, lots of times the OP doesn’t post the solution so we don’t learn anything.

  11. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #11


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
    Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor