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Optimax Critical Oil Alarm Fix

2K views 10 replies 4 participants last post by  Meerkat  
#1 · (Edited)
A week or so ago I was running back from A Can to Catawba Ramp when I got the one long beep for the critical oil alarm and the motor went into guardian mode (fast idle maximum).

Back home when I investigated, the on-boat reserve tank was 3/4 full but the on-engine tank was only 1/4 full so the oil was not getting from the on-boat tank to the on-engine tank.

The research I did and recommendations I received talked about broken reeds, check valve on the engine, inline oil filter between the 2 tanks, replacement of on-engine tanks, etc. But the fix was actually much simpler (and not mentioned anywhere that I could find).

There is a filter on the intake for the oil going from the on-boat tank to the on-engine tank and that filter was clogged with a waxy goo. I pulled the intake & cleaned it with carb cleaner. Put everything back together and it works just fine.

I have only ever used Optimax DFI oil since new (2016) so that waxy goo has to have been some sort of coagulation of the Optimax oil. I have not been able to find anything about Optimax oil going bad or having a "best-by-date" but in any event I have added draining and cleaning the on-boat tank and filter to my maintenance schedule.

Hopefully this helps prevent someone else having to rely on their kicker motor for the 15 mile ride to the ramp :rolleyes:
 
#3 ·
Update on the Optimax oil coagulating in the reserve tank (on the boat) and blocking the pickup filter.

I was talking to a Mercury parts dealer since I was looking for a replacement screen. He told me that Mercury has reformulated the Optimax oil for cold climates because of the coagulation issue. Funny that 2 years ago they denied any coagulation issue.

I have contacted Mercury for the part number for the new oil.
 
#4 ·
I saw someone who had the same problem as you on a different forum around the same time. I suppose they feel the need to lie about it bec then they would have to be responsible for unknown damages, cost of repairs, or even someone stranded in the water as a result. Easier to deny, fix the problem behind closed doors and gamble no law suits emerge.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for sharing burnsj5. What is described in the post on the MuskieFIRST post describes EXACTLY what happened to me. Even the pictures of the plugged screen. I bought this motor new in 2016 and have never used anything but the Mercury Optimax oil. I contacted Mercury at the time and they denied categorically that there was any issue with the Optimax oil. I also did and extensive search on the web but there was nothing about the issue.

Fast forward to today.... Do a web search and there are plenty of posts about the issue. One post postulated that since Mercury 2-strokes have been discontinued there is not the same demand for Optimax oil and it is sitting on the shelf for extended periods. I have never heard of oil going bad but what do I know...

I have heard nothing back from Mercury about reformulated oil but I am not one to give up easily :mad:
 
#7 ·
You have to think about a tank that is atmospherically vented, in cycling temps during nonuse, dragging in moisture with every cycle. The coalescing moisture on the tank walls will simply form water If the tank is active (motor running) the moisture may be carried thru to ignition. If the system is off for an extended period if time though, the water being more dense than the oil sinks, freezes, thaws, freezes... . This may be the active portion of the appearance of gelled or coagulated oil - you have made "mayonnaise" which is an emulsion of oil suspended in water.

Just as in a fuel tank, it might be beneficial to top off the tank(s) when storing for even a short time, creating less volume of open air to suck in moisture in each thermal cycle.
 
#9 ·
Thanks for thoughtful response. However the remote tank on the optimax is a sealed, pressurised tank. So no option for moisture to be sucked in. Remote (on boat) tank is pressurised from the engine which pushes oil to the on engine tank. The oil pump pulls the oil from the on engine tank & distributes it to compressor, cylinders & crank.
 
#8 ·
I think the issue it seems the oil had been in this state as purchased or succumbed to it shortly after being added.
Also as someone who has an optimax pro xs, I hate this thing. I can't stand having a 2 stroke and the day its time is up will be bitter sweet. Mine was prob near the tail end of their production, so you would think most the kinks worked out but all the cons outweigh the pros in my opinion.
 
#10 ·
Meerkat,

Thanks for the explanation. I likened it to an open system you'd find on a tractor or automotive hydraulic system or fuel system.

Hope you find the cause.
 
#11 ·
So here is the latest update....

Optimax oil part number 92-858037K01 has been superseded by part number 92-8M0229798.

As I was told by a Mercury parts supplier, and I quote: "Mercury is replacing their direct fuel injection oil due to coagulation of oil particularly in cold climates."

Mercury also sent me an email stating:
"You will need to take the (old) Oil along with a copy of the Bill of Sale to any authorized Mercury Dealer of choice.
The Dealer will exchange the Oil, free of charge and will file a standard Parts & Accessories Warranty Claim."