Bad Optimax made in 2001? (serial numbers)?

[salmonbarry]

I read a post on 2001 Optimax's being pulled from production temporarily due to powerhead failure problems. I'm looking at buying a 2001 150 Saltwater series motor with "Mercury 150" in blue and "Saltwater" in white below that (this an Optimax?). Can I find out if this is a bad one based on serial number and where do I find the serial numbers of failure prone units??

 

[T_I_M]

Re: Bad Optimax made in 2001? (serial numbers)?

Never heard anything bad in 2001.They did have problems at first in 1996-97 but rather them throw powerheads at the problem like OMC did with Ficht, Mercury pulled them of the market and solved the problem before re-releasing them to the public.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Bad Optimax made in 2001? (serial numbers)?

If it's an Optimax it will say "Optimax" on the cowling. I think what you are looking at is classic carb model, good engine!

 

[BarflyRIB]

Re: Bad Optimax made in 2001? (serial numbers)?

hello,
I also have the intention to buy one. It's a Mercury Optimax 2001 with 200 HP (540 hours). I have that serial number. Can I check it somewhere to see if it's in the bad production range?
thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Bad Optimax made in 2001? (serial numbers)?

There was a recall campaign, which included a new port fuel rail and a new ECM. The SN range of those affected is 0T178500 Thru 0T408999.
You can tell if the upgrade was done by looking at the port fuel rail. It should have the upgraded larger cast aluminum regulator (Upper) attached with 4 allen screws.

 

[BarflyRIB]

Re: Bad Optimax made in 2001? (serial numbers)?

can you see on this pictures if the upgrade is happened?