Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Location
    Hartsville, SC
    Posts
    43

    No tell tale on opti?

    I just got a 99 opti, and it works great, good tell tale in the water, but not on muffs. Anyone know if this is normal or not?

  2. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Greenville, SC (US)
    Posts
    94,941
    #2
    Not normal, though you've not really provided engine engine info to work from to be of a lot of assistance.


    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

  3. Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Location
    Hartsville, SC
    Posts
    43
    #3
    Quote Originally Posted by EuropeanAM View Post
    Not normal, though you've not really provided engine engine info to work from to be of a lot of assistance.
    Thanks, what additional info should I include? I failed to mention it's a 200 opti, but I'll probably get it checked by my local mercury shop. Due to me not being very good with outboards mechanically.

  4. Member
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Spangle, WA
    Posts
    6,180
    #4
    Engine serial number will properly ID the engine since Mercury does not use years.

    The telltale from your Optimax is the compressor cooling outlet only and a critical indicator the compressor is receiving coolant flow. If the telltale is present when on the water, it might be fine. If you don't know when the water pump was last serviced, it might be wise to replace it, ensure the compressor strainer is clean, and check annual service items are current.

    There's a very helpful FAQ at the top of the 3L (what your engine is) forum with several great topics for maintaining your Optimax, here are a few of the most important ones (there are several more)...

    Recommended Annual Maintenance or Winterization for Optimax Engines

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

    Compressor STRAINER Cleaning

    Proper Warmup and Cold Water Operation
    _______

    Phil
    '09 Hewescraft ProV
    '09 150 Optimax


  5. Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2021
    Location
    Hartsville, SC
    Posts
    43
    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by SilverFox579 View Post
    Engine serial number will properly ID the engine since Mercury does not use years.

    The telltale from your Optimax is the compressor cooling outlet only and a critical indicator the compressor is receiving coolant flow. If the telltale is present when on the water, it might be fine. If you don't know when the water pump was last serviced, it might be wise to replace it, ensure the compressor strainer is clean, and check annual service items are current.

    There's a very helpful FAQ at the top of the 3L (what your engine is) forum with several great topics for maintaining your Optimax, here are a few of the most important ones (there are several more)...

    Recommended Annual Maintenance or Winterization for Optimax Engines

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

    Compressor STRAINER Cleaning

    Proper Warmup and Cold Water Operation
    Thanks

  6. Member
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Spangle, WA
    Posts
    6,180
    #6
    _______

    Phil
    '09 Hewescraft ProV
    '09 150 Optimax