New Compressor

[NCdud]

Well,

Took my 2013 250 ProXS to the shop last week and found out I needed a new compressor. The engine has 205 hours on it and I'm not real happy about it as I ended up spending 2K for the labor plus parts. My last Optimax (2003) lasted 1000+ hours before giving up the ghost. I figured 2k was cheaper than 20k+ for a new motor. I knew it was going to be an issue since I've been reading all of the problems with the compressors. Rant over

[JOE54]

keep yo screen clean so it dont run so hot, remedy over

[NCdud]

Negative sir, screen cleaned on a regular basis. Respectfully, this issue is with Mercury and the compressor design they use. I'm not the only one who has had this issue.

[DiawaKid]

I had a reed plate break a reed at 680 hrs. Pump piston/cylinder all good.

[Macy's Bullet]

Mine went out around 250 hours and I kept my screen cleaned.

[Another Distraction]

It's a maintenance item, it's not designed to go the life of the motor. I'm changing mine out this winter.

[Bryanmc57]

It's a maintenance item, it's not designed to go the life of the motor. I'm changing mine out this winter.

If you're talking about the compressor, I wouldn't call that a maintenance item. If you're talking about cleaning the strainer you're correct.

[Another Distraction]

Yes, I am talking about the compressor. It's like a fuel pump, every X years you replace it before it fails while offshore. That's maintenance to me....but I get and respect your point.

[Savage]

I've owned Optimax motors since 1999 and NEVER had a compressor failure, let alone changing one as a maintenance item.

The compressor is an expensive item to just change for the hell of it.

[JOE54]

keeping it cool will help extend the life of compressor, yes i know early ones had some vendor issues with poor grade metal in cranks , although i know of at least 2 with over 1200 hrs on them ,im AMAZED

[EuropeanAM]

Yes, I am talking about the compressor. It's like a fuel pump, every X years you replace it before it fails while offshore. That's maintenance to me....but I get and respect your point.

Sorry- going to disagree with you on that one, based on extensive experience. Have seen several that did this and destroyed multiple Direct Injectors when a "new" compressor failed (exactly what they were attempting to avoid... all while their perfectly good original compressor sat on a shelf in the garage). Despite a lot of internet "hype" on the topic, I have seen no significant difference in the durability or lifespan of any of the compressors used since July 2002 (with the exception of some reed failures that were covered under a Service Bulletin).

NCdud: If you would, please take a moment to review the Announcements at the top of the Forum, and be sure to provide the Required Info (serial number) when posting. Thanks!

[emerson biggens]

Had a 2010 225 hp pro xs, it went through 3 air compressors in 550 hrs. It happens!

[SilverFox579]

Mine is over 12 years old and still has original compressor.

[DewRonInc]

I ate a dirt dabber and rebuilt mine, worked like a charm

[Lafitte23]

Would rebuilding the original be a better option than replacing with a new compressor? I've got a 2005 opti pro xs with what I assume is the original compressor (several owners). While researching a low voltage issue I came across a lot of threads about compressor problems. Now I'm paranoid and think I can hear some faint chirping. I'll start my own thread when I can get some video and hopefully audio.

[SilverFox579]

What you don't read in these forums are the thousands and thousands of satisfied Optimax owners whose engines have never had a compressor failure.

IF I ever have a compressor failure I will replace it with the most current spec'd compressor.

[EuropeanAM]

Would rebuilding the original be a better option than replacing with a new compressor? I've got a 2005 opti pro xs with what I assume is the original compressor (several owners). While researching a low voltage issue I came across a lot of threads about compressor problems. Now I'm paranoid and think I can hear some faint chirping. I'll start my own thread when I can get some video and hopefully audio.

Please take a moment to review the Announcements at the top of the Forum, and be sure to open your own SEPARATE thread for your engine.

Mercury does not offer "rebuild parts" for these compressors. There is an aftermarket company that does, however, I am a bit skeptical since some of the parts were changed/different in different part numbers/series of compressors.