mercury optimax smoking after running

[jbutlerjr]

sorry if a repost but i need help. i've always owned mercurys but just recently bought my first bass boat with a 2004 mercury optimax, 175hp. as said before, ive never owned an optimax and have always heard and been told that they dont smoke. it runs great and saves lots of gas and oil but been worrying me about the smoking. when i first start it and let it warm up it does not smoke. i take off and go to my fishing hole and when i slow down and idle in closer, it has white smoke coming out, maybe blows out about 2 to 3 feet and then its gone. dont cover the whole area like my old black max did. so i fish for awhile and start it again and no smoke until i run it again to next spot and same thing again. it smokes after running each time. thanks for any help in advance.

 

[sschefer]

Re: mercury optimax smoking after running

If the smoke is truly white, judging from the description your giving now, I would guess it's water intrusion. I would get it into a shop inmediately and describe the symptoms exactly like your post here. If the mechanic is worth his salt he'll suspect the same thing and test for it.

 

[jbutlerjr]

Re: mercury optimax smoking after running

thanks for the response. is that water getting in to the cylinders possibly and where are the possible places its getting into there from. just noticed my gass cap leaks baddly and im sure water gets in there when it rain but i doubt its got enough in there to make it smoke. thanks again for your help.

 

[sschefer]

Re: mercury optimax smoking after running

thanks for the response. is that water getting in to the cylinders possibly and where are the possible places its getting into there from. just noticed my gass cap leaks baddly and im sure water gets in there when it rain but i doubt its got enough in there to make it smoke. thanks again for your help.

It only takes a little water to make your life miserable with today's fuel additives.

Normally I would give you a list of things you should do to correct this problem but since it's an Opti-Max I'm going to recommend that you take it into the shop.

The Opti's are direct fuel injected, in otherwords they pump air and fuel directly into the cylinders. Only a certified mechanic with the proper tools and equipment can correctly diagnose your problem without risking further damage.

If that's a little distressing, you might take comfort in kowing your not alone.

Your can do some of the work ahead of time -

1. Drain your gas tank.
2. Fix that gas cap.
3. Put a water separating fuel filter inline with the tank.
4. Fill the tank with non Ethanol fuel.
5. Let the shop know you did this.
6. Don't run the engine until it's been looked at by a Certifed Mechanic.

 

[jbutlerjr]

Re: mercury optimax smoking after running

I'm gonna take it to the shop. Thank you for your help.