Merc 150 Opti Max Problems

[waynegro]

Has anyone ever experienced power loss issues/alarms on a brand new engine? Merc OM 150 - 2 stroke

18ft '07 Ranger BRAND NEW - 2nd time getting wet (with about 450lbs of fat people and gear, and a full tank of gas)

Start and idle fine - problems/alarms occur when engaging throttle to get up on plane. RPMs stay high(4-5K), but significant power loss...then start the alarms...all before boat reaches anywhere near plane speed. That's when we bring the throttle back down.

Brought it to Merc service, claims "Guardian" mode engaging for some reason - questioned about top end running speeds being excessive. We never even hit WOT one time with this brand new engine. What's up>?

Looking for any insight.

[Kelly Ripa]

Never had that go on. If the mechanic has a computer hooked to it he can tell you exactly what's up so why he would make a statement like that is either he don't know or he don't know. Have you broken in this engine yet?

[jwilson]

My 200hp mercury did that they put a new key switch in and that fixed it.

[619]

Fixed one today. Shift interupt switch. Motor thinks its in nuetral and when it gets over 4500 RPM it shuts you down.

Art
Anglers Marine SD
619-449-3474

[big_limits]

Has anyone ever experienced power loss issues/alarms on a brand new engine? Merc OM 150 - 2 stroke

18ft '07 Ranger BRAND NEW - 2nd time getting wet (with about 450lbs of fat people and gear, and a full tank of gas)

Start and idle fine - problems/alarms occur when engaging throttle to get up on plane. RPMs stay high(4-5K), but significant power loss...then start the alarms...all before boat reaches anywhere near plane speed. That's when we bring the throttle back down.

Brought it to Merc service, claims "Guardian" mode engaging for some reason - questioned about top end running speeds being excessive. We never even hit WOT one time with this brand new engine. What's up>?

Looking for any insight.

How high is your rooster tail? my buddy has that same motor with the same prob. His tail was to high and didn't have enough pressure. we lowered it, I think a half to 3/4 of an inch, and no longer does it.

[slimmy houston]

i have an 06 optimax 150 on a 18.5 nitro and with the wife, tackle, full tank of fuel and full live well plus gear it will allmost not get on plane! also at lakes with low speed limits running nose high i get an alarm, dealer says the motor is fine. so i keep just enough fuel for the day and only fill my well half way, i think thats all the b*lls these motors have, when on plane the boat hauls a**

[waynegro]

Yeah - got it checked out, still alarms (continuous and intermittent) when engine trimmed all the way in/down. Tried taking off trimmed out a bit too (thinking the water outtake was submerged).

Service had it on the laptop for 30 mins. But, they kept getting conflicting info as to hrs used, speeds reached, throttle time...etc.
Weird???

Also dash gauges inoperable, not reading. If that has any bearing. Break-in according to manual - for the 3.5 hrs it's been broken in.

Will definitely get the swith checked out, how bout the rigging - too low??

I think you're right. That's all these boats have. And fuel is heavy...

Thanks for all the input!!
Pool fish to you all this weekend.

[Dave Wilson]

It's probably time to have your mechanics call Mercury Service helpline.
My 2007 XS had a mysterious problem for a few uses that was fixed after one call. The boat shop would have never figured it out from the codes they were getting from the engine.

[Kevin]

Where have you taken the boat in for service?

[mark poulson]

Sounds like some computer glitch.
If it's close enough, take it to Jordan at Anglers Marine in Anaheim.
He can figure it out for sure.

[Ranger Jason]

I have a 175 Opti on my 185 VS. With two guys and completely full of fuel / tackle I don’t have issues getting the boat to plain and once on plane I can usually back the throttle off and stay on the pad at around 25 MPH. It sounds like you have motor height issue and an issue with the ignition switch. Do you have a hydraulic jack plate? The gauge not working is frightening. What does Smart Craft tell you about your RPM and PSI? Sometimes problems are a bear to figure out. Anglers will nail it eventually given the chance. Make an appointment, drop it off, and golf this weekend.

[waynegro]

Thanks fellas, getting it checked out asap.
Sorry about the multiple posts...itchy trigger finger!

I'll be sure to post whatever solution we come to.

[tunaman]

Sorry about the multiple posts...itchy trigger finger!

What multiple posts?

Roger

[fishinman]

the reason why these motors have computers and sensors is for fuel managment and hazards to operation. the alarm should be coming from a particular sensor. take the bull by the horns and call merc yourself witrh a printed out code reading that you can e-mail or fax to them hopefully they can resolve this quickly. this kind of cr*p really makes me mad. who wants to travel all over to leave your new toy at the shop for a extended period of time.ASK FOR A NEW BOAT NOW! Good Luck And I wish you the best with a quick fix today not tomorow! We can only be reasonable for a reasonable amount of time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[macinckirk]

the reason why these motors have computers and sensors is for fuel managment and hazards to operation. the alarm should be coming from a particular sensor. take the bull by the horns and call merc yourself witrh a printed out code reading that you can e-mail or fax to them hopefully they can resolve this quickly. this kind of cr*p really makes me mad. who wants to travel all over to leave your new toy at the shop for a extended period of time.ASK FOR A NEW BOAT NOW! Good Luck And I wish you the best with a quick fix today not tomorow! We can only be reasonable for a reasonable amount of time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love this reply

[Ray L.]

Kevin asked this
Where have you taken the boat in for service?

You should answer this question because he could help you out if you answered it.

[waynegro]

Sure enough. Shift interrupt switch.
Took it to Art at Anglers, and he took care of it.