[Guest]

I have now had my Optimax 115 for a few months and have done about 65 hours on it. I knew the oil consumption was going to be high for the first 20 hours, which it was :sad:, but now that it is well run in I am still using between 2-3 litres for every 80-100 litres of fuel.
At £43 a can (Mailspeed Marine have now realised they were doing it too cheap at £27:thumbdown) this adds quite a bit to the running costs.
Does the consumption sound right or should I get it checked out?
I generally run at between 4500 and 5000 rpm while travelling and then around 2500-3000 rpm to get back to the start of the next drift when wrecking. If conditions are a bit choppy then I will usually keep it to around 3500 rpm for travelling.
Nothing seems to make any difference to how much oil I use.
I had an ETEC a few years ago and kept it for about a year. I only had to refill the oil once, just before I sold it and was expecting the Optimax to be similar.
I would be interested to hear what consumption others are getting.
The fuel consumption is around 3.5 NM per gallon so a bit better than the 100 mariner 4 stroke:thumbs:.

 

[ETEC]

Hi Terry

looking at them figures i think you should be hoping to run at about 4000 to 4200 for optimum fuel economy just ease back a bit it will only take 2 mins more to reach your mark :thumbs:

as for the oil usage i used about 350 litres of fuel at weymouth and used about 2.5 litres of oil but on your figures it looks like your engine is running at about a 30:1 ratio but they also say about them been set up for running in at about 30:1 so maybe it needs altering

as has been mentioned before about the Etecs they use nothing in two stroke oil but that engine of yours seems to be using a little too much

I would chat to a mariner dealer and find out what it should run at and then if it is way too hi then take it back to where you got it from second oppinions sometimes are whats needed

Ther is some stuff on here about opti's but the Yanks seem to only claim a max of 50 to 60:1 ratio

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/165877-optimax-engines-optimax-oil.html

also look on here there are some details of OPTI's doing 100:1 ratios

http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/boats_motors/message.html?message_id=223370



Have you thought of buying in bulk the guys below will do a good deal

ETEC (little oil)

 

[Ianz]

I have now had my Optimax 115 for a few months and have done about 65 hours on it. I knew the oil consumption was going to be high for the first 20 hours, which it was :sad:, but now that it is well run in I am still using between 2-3 litres for every 80-100 litres of fuel.
At £43 a can (Mailspeed Marine have now realised they were doing it too cheap at £27:thumbdown) this adds quite a bit to the running costs.
Does the consumption sound right or should I get it checked out?
I generally run at between 4500 and 5000 rpm while travelling and then around 2500-3000 rpm to get back to the start of the next drift when wrecking. If conditions are a bit choppy then I will usually keep it to around 3500 rpm for travelling.
Nothing seems to make any difference to how much oil I use.
I had an ETEC a few years ago and kept it for about a year. I only had to refill the oil once, just before I sold it and was expecting the Optimax to be similar.
I would be interested to hear what consumption others are getting.
The fuel consumption is around 3.5 NM per gallon so a bit better than the 100 mariner 4 stroke:thumbs:.

Terry, as Etec says I think your running the motor to hard,I travel out at about 4000 and do about 18 -20 knots, and average 1.33 litres per nm which equates to 6 mpg, and of course does'nt use any oil as its a Mariner 115hp 4 stroke.

Cheers Ian

 

[KB Striker 17]

Quote: i used about 350 litres of fuel at weymouth and used about 2.5 litres of oil :End quote

How long was you there for Etec?, what,s 1% or 2% of 350 litres or is that the fuel for your towing vehicle include in the tally LOL.
KB.

 

[David N]

Hi Terry

looking at them figures i think you should be hoping to run at about 4000 to 4200 for optimum fuel economy just ease back a bit it will only take 2 mins more to reach your mark :thumbs:

as for the oil usage i used about 350 litres of fuel at weymouth and used about 2.5 litres of oil but on your figures it looks like your engine is running at about a 30:1 ratio but they also say about them been set up for running in at about 30:1 so maybe it needs altering

as has been mentioned before about the Etecs they use nothing in two stroke oil but that engine of yours seems to be using a little too much

I would chat to a mariner dealer and find out what it should run at and then if it is way too hi then take it back to where you got it from second oppinions sometimes are whats needed

Ther is some stuff on here about opti's but the Yanks seem to only claim a max of 50 to 60:1 ratio

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/165877-optimax-engines-optimax-oil.html

also look on here there are some details of OPTI's doing 100:1 ratios

http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/boats_motors/message.html?message_id=223370



Have you thought of buying in bulk the guys below will do a good deal

ETEC (little oil)

It is perhaps not relevant, but my old fashioned 50hp Tohatsu carbed autolube motor runs at 130-1 ratio average. 30-1 does seem inordinately high if the figure given for oil use are accurate..... 100-1 sounds a bit more like it but still high. The Optimax Orbital system as used on Mercury, Tohatsu and others, is supposed to use a lot less than carbed motors. Post No 22 in the first link regarding Mercury is interesting. Also this quote from the 2nd link "Per my manual, I have a 1999 200 HP Opti, "The oil ratio ranges from 300 - 400:1 at idle to 60:1 at WOT. A DFI engine will use less oil than a non-DFI engine."

 

[AL_Carpman]

Terry, you should have had your first service by now, well, if you've done 65 hours, it should have been done 45 hours ago, so if the oil ratio is set for a running in period, it should have been adjusted at that first service, check they did it on that service, if not, get em' to sort it out.

If you've missed that service, you probably now have no 5 year warranty (possibly no warranty at all), Merc/Mariner are pretty hot on that first service being done (as are most manufacturers) and I am talking from experience, not guessing, going on hearsay or some bloke said so, as I "again" spoke to the head of servicing at Barrus regarding this, due to anomolies with my paperwork.

Anyway, that aside, give Tim Bennet, Barrus Service Manager a ring on 01869 363636, to check the above, if need be, or run those figures by him, i'm sure he'll give you the "correct" info you need.

AL ..

 

[Guest]

I was assured by Simpsons that there was no 20 hour service on the Optimax and that the first service would be at 100 hours. I hope this is the case, after all the discussion on here about service intervals with different engines.
They told me that the onboard computer will automatically adjust the oil consumption after it had been run in.

 

[Ianz]

Terry, you should have had your first service by now, well, if you've done 65 hours, it should have been done 45 hours ago, so if the oil ratio is set for a running in period, it should have been adjusted at that first service, check they did it on that service, if not, get em' to sort it out.

If you've missed that service, you probably now have no 5 year warranty (possibly no warranty at all), Merc/Mariner are pretty hot on that first service being done (as are most manufacturers) and I am talking from experience, not guessing, going on hearsay or some bloke said so, as I "again" spoke to the head of servicing at Barrus regarding this, due to anomolies with my paperwork.

Anyway, that aside, give Tim Bennet, Barrus Service Manager a ring on 01869 363636, to check the above, if need be, or run those figures by him, i'm sure he'll give you the "correct" info you need.

AL ..

Al ,sorry but this is quite wrong, the service schedule as detailed in the manual that came with my Mariner 115hp 4 stroke clearly states that the service interval is 100 hours or yearly, I do'nt care what Barrus say, they do'nt manufacture the engines , Brunswick corporation do
I think Barrus are spreading this myth about a 20 hour service in an attempt to generate work for their dealers!! if necessary I shall scan the page, and post it on here for the whole world to see, but I cannot be bothered at the moment

Cheers Ian

 

[AL_Carpman]

I was assured by Simpsons that there was no 20 hour service on the Optimax and that the first service would be at 100 hours. I hope this is the case, after all the discussion on here about service intervals with different engines.
They told me that the onboard computer will automatically adjust the oil consumption after it had been run in.

Well, sorry mate, but rest assured it does have a 20 hour service, i'll go and dig up the info. from the Merc website for you, but just to be certain, ring Tim Bennet, he was very helpful when I phoned and he may bend the rules (and put it in a letter) if there is a problem, like he did with me, although the rule bending in my case was because an error they made.

Heres a direct link to the service log book http://www.brunswickmarineemea.com/filereader/file/pdf/4/enen/outboard/2008/logbook/889158r02.pdf

Here's some excerts from that book:-

"Conditions for Extended Warranty
The Mercury Marine specified pre-delivery inspection process for the outboard must be
completed and documented by your Dealer.
An Authorized Service Centre * must perform the recommended routine
servicing/maintenance requirements and repairs and log these with Mercury.
The recommended service intervals and maintenance recommendations must be adhered
to 3mth, 12mth, 2yr, 3yr, 4yr, 5yr or 20hr, 100 hrs, 200 hrs, 300 hrs, 400 hrs, 500 hrs, 600
hrs…; whatever comes first. The Extended Warranty program will not be limited in terms of hours of usage providing
that the conditions are met.
ONLY Mercury Marine certified parts, oils and lubes must be used for service and repairs.
Services must be recorded in your logbook and registered on-line by your authorized
dealer.

"HERES THE IMPORANT BIT TO YOU TERRY"

First 3 Months of Use (or 20 Hours) Service Checkup
Check Before Running (Please check the boxes or leave blank if not applicable)
�� Inspect outboard motor and accessories for visible damages
�� Drain gear housing and refill with gear lube
�� Lubricate all grease fittings, transom clamps screws, throttle/shift linkage (pivot
points) and propeller shaft splines
�� Lubricate steering cable. Clean and lubricate cable end at engine
�� Service battery and terminals
�� Remove and inspect spark plugs. Check compression (engine must be warm)
�� Inspect fuel tank fuel lines and connections
�� Replace fuel filters and oil injection filter
�� Check throttle pick ups and full throttle stop
�� Check oil level and operation of power trim system and gauge
�� Check propeller blades for damages
EFI & DFI
�� Check TPS settings
4 Stroke Only
�� Change engine oil and replace filter
Check While Running
�� Water pressure ______________________
�� Operation of water pump and cooling system
�� Throttle, gearshift and reverse lock operation
�� Carburettor mixture and idle speed ____________________
�� Maximum RPM/timing _______
�� Operation of oil injection and low oil warning system
�� Operation of steering system, remote controls and gauges
OptiMax & EFI�� Use DDT/CDS laptop
�� Check diagnostic codes
�� ECM and sensor operation
�� Check for fault codes
�� Check DFI fuel and air pressure

Rest assured of one thing, what main dealers tend to say and what the manufacturers stipulate, differ greatly, I spoke to 4 different Mercury Authorsed Dealers and had arguments with them all regarding required service intervals, to the point that Barrus sent out paperwork to all 4 of them, telling them what the situation was, all 4 of those dealers insisted I must have a 20 hour service, as has ALWAYS been the case, BUT not in my case, due to a paperwork error with a Barrus backed 5 year warranty, which ceased to exist in August 2008 when Mercury took over the 5 year warranty themselves.

AL ..

 

[AL_Carpman]

Al ,sorry but this is quite wrong, the service schedule as detailed in the manual that came with my Mariner 115hp 4 stroke clearly states that the service interval is 100 hours or yearly, I do'nt care what Barrus say, they do'nt manufacture the engines , Brunswick corporation do
I think Barrus are spreading this myth about a 20 hour service in an attempt to generate work for their dealers!! if necessary I shall scan the page, and post it on here for the whole world to see, but I cannot be bothered at the moment

Cheers Ian

Perhaps instead of just arguing Ian, you follow the link to "BRUNSWICK" I pasted above and read what "BRUNSWICK" have to say.

And you can scan the handook until you wear off the text, I don't need to see it, I have a HANDBOOK, which unfortunately, isn't a SERVICE LOG BOOK.

Also, bearing in mind, Barrus is the sole UK importer of Mercury and Mariner and are responsible for authorising any warranty repairs, there opinion, although not relevant in this case, is pretty important in my view, BUT seeing as your faith is only in what Brunswick Marine says, i'd be a touch concerned if i'd ignored there 20 hour/3 month service stipulation to qualify for the 5 year warranty.

Regards

AL ..

 

[Ianz]

MAINTENANCE
36
Inspection and Maintenance Schedule
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level. See Fuel and Oil - Checking and Adding Engine Oil.
• Check that lanyard stop switch stops the engine.
• Visually inspect the fuel system for deterioration or leaks.
• Check outboard for tightness on transom.
• Check steering system for binding or loose components.
• Check propeller blades for damage.
AFTER EACH USE
• Flush out the outboard cooling system if operating in salt or polluted water. See Flushing the Cooling
System.
• Wash off all salt deposits and flush out the exhaust outlet of the propeller and gearcase with fresh water
if operating in saltwater.
• If operating in saltwater, inspect the powerhead and powerhead components for salt build-up. See
Cleaning Care for the Powerhead (Saltwater Use).
EVERY 100 HOURS OF USE OR ONCE YEARLY, WHICHEVER OCCURS
FIRST
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter. The oil should be changed more often when the engine is
operated under adverse conditions such as extended trolling. See Changing Engine Oil.
• Inspect the thermostat visually for corrosion and or for a broken spring. Make sure the thermostat closes
completely at room temperature.These items should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
• Check low pressure fuel filter for contaminants. Replace filter if required. See Fuel System.
• Check corrosion control anodes. Check more frequently when used in saltwater. See Corrosion Control
Anode.
• Drain and replace gearcase lubricant. See Gearcase Lubrication.
• Check power trim fluid. See Checking Power Trim Fluid.
• Inspect battery. See Battery Inspection.
• Saltwater usage. Remove and inspect spark plugs for corrosion and replace spark plugs as necessary.
Apply a thin coating of Anti-Seize Compound only on threads of spark plug prior to installation. See Spark
Plug Inspection and Replacement.
Tube Ref No. Description Where Used Part No.
81 Anti-Seize Compound Spark plug threads 92-881091K1
• Check wiring and connectors.
• Check tightness of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.
• Check cowl seals to make sure seals are intact and not damaged.
• Check internal cowl sound reduction foam (if equipped) to make sure foam is intact and not damaged.
• Check that the intake silencer (if equipped) is in place.
• Check that the idle relief muffler (if equipped) is in place.
• Check for loose hose clamps and rubber boots (if equipped) on the air intake assembly.
EVERY 300 HOURS OF USE OR THREE YEARS
• Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating occurs or reduced water pressure is
noted).These items should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
• Replace high pressure in-line fuel filter.These items should be serviced by an authorized dealer.

I have added this because it clearly clarifies the service interval of Mercury/Mariner outboards!!

Cheers Ian

 

[AL_Carpman]

I have the same CD Ian and have read it already.

The manuals contained on my CD ONLY relate to 4 stroke outboards, so don't cover Terrys 2 stroke, but I dare say his is very similar.

The point you're missing, is if you would like the "FIVE YEAR OPTIONAL EXTENDED WARRANTY" then you need to follow the stipulations regarding servicing to qualify for it, detailed in the .PDF file, located on Brunswick marines website I supplied the link for, why not read it??

It does seem that Terry's excessive 2 stroke oil consumption isn't due to not being adjusted at a 20 hour service - I didn't know if that was the case and said so in my original post.

However, it does seem to me, based on much reading of Brunswick Marines paperwork and many phone calls to different dealers and Barrus, that Terry's and possibly yours and many others 5 year "optional extended" warranties have been voided by not conforming to the rules, maybe that doesn't bother people, it does me though, I wanted 5 years worry free, not 2 years.

Heres a paste of something you may have missed on the CD:-

"DURATION OF COVERAGE: This Limited Warranty provides coverage for two (2) years from the date the product is first sold to a recreational use retail purchaser, or the
date on which the product is first put into service, whichever occurs first.

Regards.

AL ..

 

[Ianz]

Paul

My engine was purchased brand new April 2008, and I believe had a 5 year warranty,this was plastered all over the outboard brochures, and encouraged me to buy the boat/package although this is contary to what Brunswick say in the doc supplied by Al, that this was'nt available till 1/6/08, anyway I stick by what my manual(supplied with motor) says 100 hours or 1 year, not some document, obtained by google now doubt, after all I would only take notice of documentation supplied with outboard

Cheers Ian

 

[Ianz]

I have the same CD Ian and have read it already.

The manuals contained on my CD ONLY relate to 4 stroke outboards, so don't cover Terrys 2 stroke, but I dare say his is very similar.

The point you're missing, is if you would like the "FIVE YEAR OPTIONAL EXTENDED WARRANTY" then you need to follow the stipulations regarding servicing to qualify for it, detailed in the .PDF file, located on Brunswick marines website I supplied the link for, why not read it??

It does seem that Terry's excessive 2 stroke oil consumption isn't due to not being adjusted at a 20 hour service - I didn't know if that was the case and said so in my original post.

However, it does seem to me, based on much reading of Brunswick Marines paperwork and many phone calls to different dealers and Barrus, that Terry's and possibly yours and many others 5 year "optional extended" warranties have been voided by not conforming to the rules, maybe that doesn't bother people, it does me though, I wanted 5 years worry free, not 2 years.

Heres a paste of something you may have missed on the CD:-

"DURATION OF COVERAGE: This Limited Warranty provides coverage for two (2) years from the date the product is first sold to a recreational use retail purchaser, or the
date on which the product is first put into service, whichever occurs first.

Regards.

AL ..

Al you are probably quite correct, but the simple fact is that I was sold an outboard by a Mariner dealer, and was not told of any strings attached to the warranty, be it 3 years or 5 years, plain and simple my engine needs servicing every 100 hours or yearly whichever is soonest, as confirmed in manual, so me personally I have had servicing carried out to the correct schedule,whether terry has I cannot comment :wallbash::wallbash::wallbash:

Cheers Ian

Al by the way I am " not arguing", I am merely stating facts which you do not agree with, I for one will be another addition to the growing list of ex users of this site

 

[Ianz]

In that case, perhaps you should also stick by what your manual says regarding the length of warranty, ie : you have 2 years and not the 5 years you thought you had.

The service document Al posted is on the Brunswick website.

You still didn't tell me if you got a service book when you bought the engine and if so, who printed it ?

Paul you do'nt get a service book anymore, when the motor is serviced Mariners/mercury database is updated via pc from the servicing dealer against engine number for all work carried out

Cheers Ian

 

[Guest]

Just to clear up the 20 hr service issue... I have spoken to Tim Bennett nad he said that when the 5 year warranty was introduced they also brought in a 20 hour / 3 Months first service. However they forgot to put it in the book and in his words " If you took us to court over it, we would not have a leg to stand on". Therefore unless you have got an engine very recently with the new book then the first service is at 100 hours and you still have a 5 year warranty.
Re the oil consumption, he said that 30-1 does sound a bit heavy although their spec says it should do anything from 30-1 to 600-1 depending on the engine load. 30-1 would be a very high average though and I should get a mechanic to plug it in and make sure that it has come out of 'running in mode'.
There is a small chance that is is still running too rich, unlikely but not unheard of.

 

[Guest]

Rather than fall out over this issue, according to Barrus you are both right, see my post above:kissing:

 

[AL_Carpman]

Rather than fall out over this issue, according to Barrus you are both right, see my post above:kissing:

Terry, you were told exactly the same as I was by Tim Bennet, I did point out in my post that due to a paperwork error, it was ok for myself (I can't speak for everyone else) to have missed the 20 hour service, I also recommended you rang him to see if you could do the same, I take it you also pointed out you have no Barrus Warranty Booklet, as a condition he did give me, was that I had one of these, if you don't have one, I suggest you ring him again and see if he'll send you one, I also got him to put all of this in writing, which he did - the user manual is "TOTALLY IRELLAVENT" to this thread, unlesss all anyone wants is a 2 year warranty.

Do you want me to post a scan of the Barrus 5 year warranty booklet so you know what it looks like??

Ianz, at April 08, you were subject to the Barrus 5 year warranty, so you should also have a Barrus warranty/service booklet, if you haven't, perhaps you should also do as I suggest above, or not, I don't care.

Oh and I do take offence at being accused of googling up some cr*p off the net and pasting here, if I paste anything, I make sure it's from a good source/experience, what I pasted earlier came from scouring Brunswick Marines own website and the mass of documents, no "thanks for the post" or for the time it took, "TO TRY AND HELP", I'll look into that, cheers mate

It's no wonder people are leaving this site like rats leaving a sinking ship, anytime anyone tries to help it has to be some long winded argument, defending every word typed, personally i'm sick of it and won't bother posting on this section anymore.

Regards.

AL ..

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies lads and I will post the outcome once I can get an engineer to plug it in.
As I don't see what else can be gained by leaving the thread open any longer I will close it now:lock: