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Merc 135 Optimax 2001

D

dreamen

New member
I have a 2001 135 Optimax. When put in the water this spring and idleing down the channel the alarm went off and motor shut down. Engine was overheating. When I would cruise and a normal speed engine temp would be 98. If i would idle it would climb to 154 and I would Increase the speed temp would drop back to 98. What should normal temp be? There is a water stream coming out the side, but it is not a strong pressure but a steady streem. Is this a easy fix, something that I can do? Is it a rubber impeller like smaller motors or is there a water pump? Or is it time to take to the dealer? Appreciate the help
 
Sounds like the rubber impeller has taken a set and is no longer performing as a pump at low speed.----------Impellers should be replaced about every 3 years as regular maintenance !
 
racerone said:
Sounds like the rubber impeller has taken a set and is no longer performing as a pump at low speed.----------Impellers should be replaced about every 3 years as regular maintenance !
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Do you just take the bolts out on the lower unit and drop down to replace the rubber impeller like you do in the smaller OB? I have changed in my 3 and 6 hp several times.
 
I appreciate the help on this, will get the parts and get it done. Would you get the repair kit or just the rubber impellers? This motor is only used in fresh water, and only used from May to Oct each year as in MN the lakes freeze over!! It does not get a lot of hours on it. Mostly used for fishing and we use the trolling motor.
 
Just get a new factory impeller.------------------Most shops would recommend the complete kit, but they need to generate revenue.-----Looks bad when the impeller cost $35.00 and labour is $100.00.-------------Most folks will not complain if the parts are $115.00 and labour is $100.00, that just looks better to most folks !
 
Anybody have any feelings on using OEM parts vs Sierra parts. The rubber impeller is half the price from Sierra vs OEM. My thoughts are this motor is 10 years old and this will be the first impeller that I have changed.
 
Factory parts are better I agree mercury recommends these impeller be replace every 100 hrs of if overheating occurs these impellers are the smaller blade style and wear out a lot quicker than those used in the 3.0L lower units which have 300 hr service intervals
Thermostat temp for these engines are 142 degrees the over heat alarm comes on I think was 190-200
 
When you take your impeller out if there are any small grooves or wear in thhe housing buy the kit not just the impeller, whats an extra 50 or 60 buck as compared to the price of a new motor, or even a head gasket repair.
 
There are two thermostats 1 on port and 1 on starboard head the reading on your gauge is taken from starboard side the only way to see port head temp is from CDs diagnostic software
tell tale(peeer) comes directly from the air compressor if that has no water flow you'll get compressor over heat temp reading on that can be seen on the CDS
 
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