2004 Merc 200L Optimax done at 822 hours?

[kawakawa]

BBC'rs-

I have a 2004 196 Champion with 200L Merc Optimax (822hrs). It's been a trouble free combination since brand new. Always fresh fuel, factory maintenance on motor, Optimax oil, and Im not a high speed run and gun tournament guy. Most of my runs on local lakes are relatively short and at 4000rpm cruise, although I do run WOT now and again. Never had a single knock, squeak, smoke or stutter ever.

Yesterday, I launched and warmed up at idle for about 30 minutes. Jumped on plane and was trimming the motor when I lost power suddenly and motor made many strange noises. Pulled it back to idle and turned it off. Im guessing blown power head, broken reed valve, injection pump failure or ???

My questions for you veterans-

Do I compression check first then try to diagnose the problem?

If compression is off or variable, do I start looking for power heads and a certified Merc mechanic to rebuild?

Do I repower with a new 200 Pro XS?

I love the boat and it's in pristine condition with Ultrex, big screen electronics, new batts, tires, boat cover, etc., etc. Selling isn't an option, but Im retired and finding an extra $10-25K to spend on rebuild or repower will be painful! I'm in Helena, MT a long distance from many factory Merc mechanics, and I'm in a tight spot!

All suggestions greatly appreciated!

[JOE54]

check the compressor first remove belt , pull plugs look for one that looks abnormal to others , hurry up they're biting

[wmitch2]

Define "Strange Noises" !! Clanking, banging, burping, etc ?? Could be many things !!

[kawakawa]

When it lost power I could hear tapping and chugging sounds. Inspected block and belt and all looked factory fresh. Turned the key this morning in the garage and it fired instantly, but didn't run it for more than a second or two as I wasn't connected to water. Supposed to be a factory-authorized Merc dealer/service in town here in Helena, MT. Headed there tomorrow. All advice and opinions appreciated!

BTW- Motor is a 2004 200L Optimax OT920143

[apdriver]

That it starts is pretty good news. Bet the shop has you back running in no time.

[JOE54]

When it lost power I could hear tapping and chugging sounds. Inspected block and belt and all looked factory fresh. Turned the key this morning in the garage and it fired instantly, but didn't run it for more than a second or two as I wasn't connected to water. Supposed to be a factory-authorized Merc dealer/service in town here in Helena, MT. Headed there tomorrow. All advice and opinions appreciated!

BTW- Motor is a 2004 200L Optimax OT920143

let us know how it turns out

[kawakawa]

Pulled the kill switch and turned it over for a few cycles and it sounded fairly normal except for a chugging sound every so often in time with the motor
turning over.

Found a certified Merc mechanic here in town that has 30 years experience working on black motors. Taking it in for diagnosis on 5/7 with fingers crossed!!

[Champ 2001]

Please keep us posted and good luck!

[PatriotAW4]

If you repower with a 4 stroke get a Yamaha instead of a Mercury.

[EuropeanAM]

If you repower with a 4 stroke get a Yamaha instead of a Mercury.

Please go to the Yamaha boards. This forum is for Accurate, HELPFUL, CONSTRUCTIVE advice and assistance.

If you don't like Mercury engines, that's ok. We like them plenty for ya.


Back on topic: Joe54's advice in Post# 2 is spot-on.

[Champ 2001]

Any updates?

[kawakawa]

Update as of 5/18...

Well the Merc mechanic finally got back to me with diagnosis and it's not good. Number 2 and 4 cylinders have low compression numbers and he scoped both through the spark plug bores and noticed extensive scoring on both cylinder walls. He said it looked like a failure or glitch in the oil pump may have caused the lack of lubrication and failure?

Im meeting with him next week to discuss options.

Went to a local Merc dealer yesterday and priced a repower with new 200 Pro XS with all the trimmings at around $25K...OUCH!!!

Any suggestions as to rebuild, repower or ??? much appreciated! Selling the rig is not an option.

[Savage]

A used Optimax could be had at a low price and you could be boating again in two hours.

[PatriotAW4]

Pick up a used 200-250 Optimax pro XS for less than half that and be on your way.

[EuropeanAM]

I'm not sure the 196 Champ is a good candidate for a 250, but I'd agree there are plenty of good Opti's (for that matter, we're starting to see plenty of good 4-strokes too) out here on the market you might consider.

[JOE54]

call CHRIS CARSON MARINE ship dressed powerhead for rebuild

[ChrisCarsonMarine]

Give me a call please,305-394-3354,Chris.I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...