Can you put a remote oil reservoir on an Optimax 135? I'm looking at buying one of these engines and it looks like there's a pretty small reservoir mounted on the engine.
Its supposed to have a larger tank mounted inside the boat with a double-hose connecting it to the motor. one for the oil, the other for crankcase presssure to push the oil. That little one is fed by the larger one and must be completely full or you get a low oil warning.
I ended up buying the 135 Optimax and added a remote oil reservoir and 4 blade Typhoon prop to the gimme list. I think the remote reservoir will be 1.8 gal. I just can't get comfortable with the idea of waiting for that little tank on the engine to go into alarm while I'm running. I wanted to be able to open my battery compartment door on a whim and look at an oil level. <br /> Speaking of which; is there any way I can add a filler neck and o-ringed filler port cap to these tanks so I don't have to pull the tank out of my battery compartment each time I need to fill the oil reservoir?
you really really need to get the manual and educate yourself.<br /> the oil tank on the engine does not do much other than gravity feed the oil pump. the engine tank contains the low level alarm and most will trigger at about 3/3's full. it ususe crankcase air pressure to pressurize the remote tank to keep the engine tank full.<br /> as far as the prop goes you will have to test a few most likly. that opti-pop wont run over propped long.<br /> over propping killed many a one of them.
Sorry for appearing so ignorant at this point. I do have manual coming and plenty of time to get it right since the lakes are frozen over right now. I was in a hurry to get some information about remote tanks and was trying to get some facts so I could negotiate most of what I needed into the price. I also am not worried about taking on more maintenance on this motor. I prefer to read a technical manual before I'll read a paper-back novel. I have been involved in machinery maintenance for 20 years and boating for 35 years and take care of my own machines, always logging everthing I do. <br />The prop I negotiated can be exchanged according to the marine store that sold it to me if I don't get the WOT number right. Starting with a Typhoon 14.5 x 17P on the Trophy 2002. Have a heavy 20 hp mercury kicker beside it making it hard to keep the bow over on rough waves. I am not looking for top end speed as much as staying on plane at slower speeds in heavy waves. <br /> A Popular mechanics article showed a 14.5 x 19P 3 blade on the 135 Optimax (and beat all the others motor brands tested in all catagories). This was all I could go by for prop selection at this time until I get on the water. Many forum posts seem to indicate that Mercury's prop selection site is off base somewhat in getting the right prop size.<br /> BTW. Thanks for the advice on the overproping. I was planning on underpropping for staying on plane at lower speeds in rough waves.
