Mercury 1.5L optimax Maintenance

[bluefisherman429]

How often do you do your water pump?

[jtracc]

Good write up. Just a few questions

- this is a 115 Opti correct?
- can you point to the fuel drain valve for when changing fuel filter?
- what does that tool cost?

thx

[TritonTRXV8]

Good write up. Just a few questions

- this is a 115 Opti correct?
- can you point to the fuel drain valve for when changing fuel filter?
- what does that tool cost?

thx

Correct this is a 115 opti but this will all apply to any 75-125 optimax engine.

I have the 2 drain valves circled. The hose is usually hooked to both fittings in a u shape you simply pull one end off and open the valve them switch and repeat to drain the other chamber. The right chamber takes longer. Just use an allen wrench to open the valve.
image.jpg

The tool is about $6-7 for the fuel filter wrench.

[TritonTRXV8]

How often do you do your water pump?

I used to do it bi annually but have been doing it annually upon Don Weeds recommendation. Cheap insurance.

[jtracc]

You have inspired me to do some this service. I ordered all the parts, my 115 Opti only 2 seasons old but I do have around 130 hrs. One question about drainingto re move filter? So you turn screw to drain, when done draining you turn back to close correct?

[TritonTRXV8]

You have inspired me to do some this service. I ordered all the parts, my 115 Opti only 2 seasons old but I do have around 130 hrs. One question about drainingto re move filter? So you turn screw to drain, when done draining you turn back to close correct?

Correct just loosen the allen screw a couple turns then tighten it back down when it finishes draining. It takes a little bit it doesnt just pour out. if you have not already seen it I have a water pump service thread as well.
http://www.bbcboards.net/tin-boats/5...placement.html

[Nova Kaw 650]

Loosen the filter first, and it pours out pretty good.

[BD1]

What grease do u like for your trailer bearings

[TritonTRXV8]

Loosen the filter first, and it pours out pretty good.

That's a great point just gotta break the seal. Geez. lol.

[TritonTRXV8]

What grease do u like for your trailer bearings

Lucas Marine Grease for me. Good stuff.

[bassassin]

Roy,

Thanks for all the info again - super helpful.

Do you use OEM parts for the fuel filter? I ordered one on line and it wouldn't sit right no matter how many times I tried to re-screw it in. This was with the fuel filter cap tool. I finally called the seller to send me a new one. Any good Merc oem part online dealers? (other than Merc which I assume would be the most pricey)?

Thanks!

[TritonTRXV8]

Roy,

Thanks for all the info again - super helpful.

Do you use OEM parts for the fuel filter? I ordered one on line and it wouldn't sit right no matter how many times I tried to re-screw it in. This was with the fuel filter cap tool. I finally called the seller to send me a new one. Any good Merc oem part online dealers? (other than Merc which I assume would be the most pricey)?

Thanks!

I use mercury OEM parts for everything on this engine. I highly recommend contacting Don Weed at European Marine over on the merc boards. They have an outstanding parts dept and they can fix you up and answer all your questions.

That being said. Was the filter you tried that did not fit a merc part or aftermarket?

[bassassin]

I use mercury OEM parts for everything on this engine. I highly recommend contacting Don Weed at European Marine over on the merc boards. They have an outstanding parts dept and they can fix you up and answer all your questions.

That being said. Was the filter you tried that did not fit a merc part or aftermarket?

Aftermarket by JSP Manufacturing. $23. Found a Quiksilver version online for $38 with shipping. I'll have to contact Don and inquire about their pricing. He was great to work with when buying my Merc Monitor. I must say - for us Winter guys whose motors must hibernate for a couple of months between starts - it's nice having the monitor to make sure all is well on that first trip back to the fishing world.

[TritonTRXV8]

Don offers a 10% discount for bbc members. I buy all my parts through him. Its nice knowing that the parts I order are right for my engine since they are looked up via the serial number. I am not a fan of aftermarket parts it doesnt pay IMO. Same with my vehicles OEM for everything I can.

[Nova Kaw 650]

Thanks for the write-up; I picked up an impeller kit today, and a filter as well.
Be glad you don't live in Canada; I just paid $51 + tax for a genuine Merc filter.

[TritonTRXV8]

Yea they arent cheap. Even here around $40.

[Nova Kaw 650]

Yea they arent cheap. Even here around $40.

I had no idea.
This is the first time I've changed it in 4 years; every time I pull it out to winterize, it looks like new, plus we have no ethanol in our fuel.
I'll wait another 2 years before I change it again.

[TritonTRXV8]

Everything on this thread I do annually. Gear oil is twice a year.

[natalex85]

I recommend this be stickied.

[TritonTRXV8]

I recommend this be stickied.

This thread and the how to water pump service thread are in the sticky. Use this link and click on Mercury outboards and then scroll through all the posts. This thread and several others are linked throughout. Alot of good info there.
http://www.bbcboards.net/tin-boats/5...ance-tips.html