Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

Jacko58

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2004
Messages
6
I have a 2001, Wellcraft Coastal w/T-225 Optimax motors that I bought new. From day-one I have had nothing but problems with these engines: rails, stalling, injectors, shorts, ECM, foul plugs, carbon build up,therostats, starters & on & on......and even after all of the updates and fixes, they still continue.<br />It seems that the 2000-2001 225 Opti's are a problem from what I've discovered. Merc has been very helpful with every event, even giving me an extra yr. to my warranty.<br />However, I've contacted Merc and let them know that I will not go through another year like the past 2, and that I want these motors replaced. They are sending the regional rep. to meet w/me and my dealer (3/29) to test and discuss our options.<br />Anyone know anything about this model yr. and these problems? Also, what did Merc do to resolve. Any help/advice would be great.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Jacko58
 

dilligafda

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 13, 2003
Messages
315
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

"I want these motors replaced"<br /><br />Good luck Jacko. I can't remember the last time I saw ANY manufacturer flat out replace motors. What is currently going on with your motors? There are alot of very knowledgable folks on this forum that might be able to help you solve your running problems. Give us a shot!<br /><br />Dilli
 

Jacko58

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2004
Messages
6
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

Originally posted by dilligaf:<br />"I want these motors replaced"<br /><br />Good luck Jacko. I can't remember the last time I saw ANY manufacturer flat out replace motors. What is currently going on with your motors? There are alot of very knowledgable folks on this forum that might be able to help you solve your running problems. Give us a shot!<br /><br />Dilli
______________________________________________<br /><br />Dilli:<br />I respectfully beg to differ with you. I have at least 20 documented cases where Merc has either replaced the motor or gave a completely dressed powerhead. I have the engine serial # of each and the dates. Boat US Memberships consumer affairs dept. has a huge database and a lot of clout.<br />I'm sure there are many bright folks that could solve my engine problems, but as of today not even Merc can after 2 1/2 years.<br />I did not buy a test motor! I want what I paid for...New and dependable motors.
 

dilligafda

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 13, 2003
Messages
315
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

[/quote]<br />I did not buy a test motor! I want what I paid for...New and dependable motors.[/QB][/quote]<br /><br />Ok sorry I offered to help! As I said, good luck and I wish you the best. It would seem to me that if you have an appointment to meet with the tech rep and the dealer, that asking for help seems a bit pre-mature, but hey, it's your call! <br /><br />Regards.
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

hello<br /> I have seen merc replace various engines. I would not have an optipop. period. they and the OMC built FICTS were nothing but troubles. I also am not fond of HPDI. get a pair of EFI motors or 4 strokes and go play.<br /> ask them to take back the opti's and bolt on a pair of saltwater EFI motors. even offer to pay any rigging derigging or tachometer changes that may be nessasry. <br /> good luck and keep posting
 

Jacko58

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2004
Messages
6
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

Rodbolt,<br /><br />Thanks for your reply!<br />Not sure what I'm going to do yet. I will wait to see what they (Merc) offer on 3/29. I've been very clear that these bandaid fixes are not going to continue any longer. I have been very polite but firm. I have lots of documentation of what they have done in this case before, and feel well prepared. Just looking for any information that will strenghten my position. Thanks again! I'll let you, and this site know what happens............
 

hondon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 11, 2001
Messages
1,922
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

Hell ,why not ask for a couple of X ENGINES while your at it?
 

Jacko58

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2004
Messages
6
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

Originally posted by hondon:<br />Hell ,why not ask for a couple of X ENGINES while your at it?<br />_______________________________________________<br />Hondon:<br />Are you kidding or are you serious? Don't think I am not thinking about it. But all I really want is what I paid for when I bought the boat/motors.
 

Jacko58

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2004
Messages
6
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

Originally posted by dilligaf:<br />"I want these motors replaced"<br /><br />Good luck Jacko. I can't remember the last time I saw ANY manufacturer flat out replace motors. What is currently going on with your motors? There are alot of very knowledgable folks on this forum that might be able to help you solve your running problems. Give us a shot!<br /><br />Dilli
____________________________________________<br /><br />Dilli,<br /><br />Now you can say you saw a company replace both powereheads with fully dressed 2004 powerheads.<br />Yep...Merc decided to replace both. <br />That is how a good company stands behind their product. Hats off to Merc!!!<br />Thanks to all that offered help with this issue! ;) :)
 

quantumleap

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 16, 2004
Messages
813
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

Jacko- that's exactly the way true customer service should work. Good job in being persistant. It makes me feel proud to own a merc knowing the company cares about their products and customers. :cool:
 

dilligafda

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 13, 2003
Messages
315
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

WOW that is great! I hope that everything works out for the best (sounds like it already has!) And I stand humbly corrected. I got a call from a buddy that told me about the same sort of deal. It's nice to see my favorite motor company do what they need to take care of a customer!<br /><br />Great!
 

whofan

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 17, 2003
Messages
296
Re: Optimax 225, 2001 PROBLEMS Help!!!

All these Outboard companys charge good money for their products. The customer deserves a good product. Hats off to you Jacko!! I hope Mercury stands behind all its customers as well. I own a 2000 Johnson 70hp its a good motor but I would like to up grade someday and I will want to have Mercury on my list :)
 
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