Lovely knocking sound coming from my Opti?

[Jason P]

Hey guys,

My dad has a 2003 Optimax that decided to start knocking last trip out. It started out knocking about every 7 seconds or so, now it sounds like every 2 seconds. About 175 hours ago the compressor blew and the power head got replaced, and that was at th 175 hour mark. Must be my lucky number. Any suggustions? It runs normal no sputtering or anything, good water pressure, voltage, and consistant RPM's no jumping around. Please tell me some good news, (spark plugs or something simple)

Thanks

Jason Pardini

[Robert F]

They are not called poptimax for nothing.

[Ranger Jason]

Maybe bad gas?

[spotfin]

My mechanic told me that my 1999 optimax doesn't have a sensor which detects if the oil isn't being sucked into the engine. I don't know about your year if it is true or not, but I put a tape on my oil reservoir to see if the level goes down after I use it, to make sure oil is being sucked into the engine. Maybe the knocking sound is because you aren't getting oil?

I find it incredibly shocking to hear stories like yours about a blown powerhead after such few hours. I will never buy a Mercury outboard again. I believe they are like GM....American built piece of trash. I will buy a honda four stroke next time. I bet Mercury will end up like GM sooner or later when they build outboards which don't last worth beans. I have fewer than 200 hrs on my optimax but I don't expect it to last beyond that given all the stories I've heard.

[DeltaDan]

Is still under warrenty ?

I would not run it ..... and take it to Inland-Marine to have Frank and his team put it on the computer to see what is up.



Jason -- How's your pup doing btw ?

[blkdog812]

pull the plugs and look in the cylinders. if all loooks ok run a compression test. pull lower unit plug and check for water in the l/u. might be the pinion in the lower getting ready to go.

[Jason P]

Thanks guys, it sounds like it doesnt matter what brand of motor you run, they all have problems, my buddy just got a brand new Etec and blew it up. I just put some new gas in today to check that and just let it idle, nothing differant. Sounds like we got to bite the bullet and take it in. Thanks guys.

Dan- the pup is doing good, still has the jumping problem, but she is still young. I have your videos when would you like to meet up?

Thanks

Jason Pardini

[DeltaDan]

Snikeys Jason -- Was that you and your partner that cashed in the Delta Super Teams? NICE BRO !!

-- And you told me you did not fish anymore !!

Congrats Again !!

J- If you know someone that can use the vid's .. Just pass them foreward for me please.


When I get my boat back -- We will hook up and jump dem'dear logs ... and hit those grass and gravel beds that you can chipshot with a lob wedge from the back your house even.


Just my luck that my sled is out of commission now that the time is right for there.

[Byron]

Hey guys,

My dad has a 2003 Optimax that decided to start knocking last trip out. It started out knocking about every 7 seconds or so, now it sounds like every 2 seconds. About 175 hours ago the compressor blew and the power head got replaced, and that was at th 175 hour mark. Must be my lucky number. Any suggustions? It runs normal no sputtering or anything, good water pressure, voltage, and consistant RPM's no jumping around. Please tell me some good news, (spark plugs or something simple)

Thanks

Jason Pardini

Pull the cowl off and check the bolts that hold the air pump pulley on. They do break and cause alot of noise.

[YZKEN250]

Jason, Go to the bank and get a $10,000 loan. Same thing happend to my 2003 Opti last year. New powerhead. Mine was under warranty though.