Fault code interpretation help

[Hefner413]

I have mercury vessel view mobile for my 2011 150 optimax serial # 1B934227.

This fault code was produced. Am I reading it correctly that it is code 2011-23?
According to an online manual for fault codes, is this code "23"? And that is "water in fuel"?

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[EuropeanAM]

2011-23 is precisely what it said on the screen.

2011 = Engine Guardian

23 = Condition Exists (is Active).

Thus 2011-23 means "Engine Guardian is Active" (because a fault or condition required it).

[Hefner413]

Today I went back out and everything was running fine for the first couple hours. Then guardian mode was activated again, but this time it did produce a code just prior to guardian mode.

82FA22C1-5949-4C60-8E63-7AF4E646235E.jpeg

The engine is peeing fine. Here are other readings just after it gave the fault:

70775DDB-555D-4FA6-AF3F-7ABBD80BD571.png

[SilverFox579]

Important to know how the Optimax cooling system works, the telltale is compressor outlet only and unrelated to actual engine coolant temperatures. When idle coolant temps are high and coolant pressure is within specs (yours is), the most common issue is thermostats. Since your idle water pressure is 1.4psi, middle of acceptable range at idle, and your coolant temps are HIGH, I'd pull, inspect, and test thermostats first.

[Hefner413]

Important to know how the Optimax cooling system works, the telltale is compressor outlet only and unrelated to actual engine coolant temperatures. When idle coolant temps are high and coolant pressure is within specs (yours is), the most common issue is thermostats. Since your idle water pressure is 1.4psi, middle of acceptable range at idle, and your coolant temps are HIGH, I'd pull, inspect, and test thermostats first.

Perfect. Thanks for your direction! To help me further understand… if psi were low, would that indicate a faulty water pump?

[leonreno]

Yes, or a stuck open poppet valve.

[Hefner413]

I took out the thermostats. They look decent. They opened up around 140 degrees.

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I sure hate to take off the lower unit to examine the impeller if that’s not the issue. Any other steps to take before that?

[Hefner413]

After checking the thermostats today, I took the boat back out to see if I could gather more info. I did find that the boat sure loves WOT. No problems when I’m running full speed. Temp stays around 120 and all good. BUT it’s when I slow down to 2-2.5K, then the temp quickly climbs to 150-160 and I get the overtemp fault.

screenshots:
WOT, all good
4504DEB5-2D46-4ED3-8094-9121EE8E84AD.png

slow down and get overtemp fault
36195A4C-C5A4-4EBF-A254-52B1D304E830.png

and I then momentarily stopped and then went back to WOT and temp dropped back down:

7B838A1B-1A1D-4CC0-BF27-BD1625AA6707.png

As I was pulling up to the dock, I checked again and temps back up (but no active overtemp fault / alert at the lower rpm)

A9F870DC-713E-4668-9F17-0B71F433F1BD.png

seems to make sense that it would be an issue with the impeller, as more speed results in more flow? Or does Silverfox’s point about normal psi indicate otherwise still?

[leonreno]

Did you check the strainer for the compressor cooling line, can cause a overheat too. Though I’m not sure all Optimax motors have the strainer.

[SilverFox579]

When was water pump last serviced? Maintenance interval is 100hrs or 365 days whichever comes first. If outside those conditions, service water pump even though idle water pressure is mid-range. If you still have a thermostat fault afterward, I'd replace both.

Compressor strainer likely not a factor, "peeing fine", and fault would display as compressor overheat not engine coolant port (or starboard).

If the first picture in #8 is truly WOT you need to correct that and prop to achieve 5600 - 5650 @ WOT!

[Hefner413]

When was water pump last serviced? Maintenance interval is 100hrs or 365 days whichever comes first. If outside those conditions, service water pump even though idle water pressure is mid-range. If you still have a thermostat fault afterward, I'd replace both.

Compressor strainer likely not a factor, "peeing fine", and fault would display as compressor overheat not engine coolant port (or starboard).

If the first picture in #8 is truly WOT you need to correct that and prop to achieve 5600 - 5650 @ WOT!

Thanks for the reply. I bought this at the beginning of the season. It only had 45 hrs on it, but being a 2012, that meant a lot of sitting. I absolutely suspect that the water pump hasn’t been serviced recently, if ever. The registration sticker on the boat was still 2018. But yeah, the water pump kit is ordered. I went ahead and ordered 2 thermostats just in case.

Where do I go to determine appropriate prop replacement to achieve 5600-5650 at wot?

[leonreno]

You can get help here or in the specific boat subforums on this site if you have one of those boats. What is your max rpm now, at what speed, what prop and what boat?

[SilverFox579]

Several good topics in the FAQ at top of the forum that contain a ton of useful information on the Optimax, here are a few of most commonly referenced.

Compressor STRAINER Cleaning

Oil, Battery, Spark Plugs, Fuel and Fuel Additive Recommendations

Recommended Annual Maintenance or Winterization for Optimax Engines

Water Pump Replacement

FUEL LINES AND PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS

[Hefner413]

Awesome. I don’t mean for you to do the extra work for me. But I really do appreciate the info. I’ve read thru the fuel line one previously but hadn’t seen the others. Thank you!!

[EuropeanAM]

Please keep in mind that your Vessel View Mobile (and the Engine PCM) have been trying to tell you to get this engine repaired properly BEFORE USING IT AGAIN. Repeatedly overheating your engine (which is what you've been doing) can be very detrimental to the engine's longevity.




PLEASE replace that water pump before attempting to run the engine again.

[Hefner413]

Thanks and absolutely. Pump is on its way.

[SilverFox579]

Happy to help you with most relevant topics from FAQ, there are several great topics, but I consider those linked as "must read" for any Optimax owner.

[Hefner413]

Parts still on their way… but I couldn’t wait, so I removed the old pump. I am somewhat concerned now tho, as the old impeller looks ok? Gaskets seemed intact. Does this raise suspicion re other cause?
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[SilverFox579]

That impeller is not ok. Press on with replacement and making certain to replace all 3 gaskets.

[Hefner413]

Glad to hear that! I had heard others report impeller fins broken off etc, so I wasn’t sure. And yep, I ordered the whole kit. And thank u for doing the write up on how to replace. Very very helpful!