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Oil Reserviour in 2003 Dauntless 180....newbie question
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| CReinke |
Posted on 08/28/12 - 8:32 PM
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I am a BW newbie and I am taking delivery of a 2003 Dauntless 180 with a 2003 Merc 125HP Optimax Saltwater Series 2S EFI. I know the engine has a built in oil reservior with dip stick to check the level, but I am wondering if it also has an external oil tank. I did not notice one when I looked over the boat briefly and want to make sure I have sufficient oil for the 23 mile ride back to my home port. I am only skeptical as my old Wahoo 180 Offshore with a 150HP Johnson 2S had an external oil reservior which I had to check with every 40 gal tank fillup. With 56 galons on the Dauntless 180 I am just pesimistic that the onboard Mercury oil tank is sufficient for a full tank of fuel.
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| BillDemers |
Posted on 09/09/12 - 9:01 AM
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I'm also a bw newbie and I have a 1999 Dauntless 18' . I have an external tank with an oil fill opposite the fuel fill. My tank is located on the right side next to my main battery. It looks like it will hold at least a couple gallons.
BillD
1999 Dauntless 18' - 135 Mercury Optimax |
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| kamie |
Posted on 09/09/12 - 9:34 AM
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The 125 should have an external tank, if you don't see one on the boat, I would call the local Merc dealer and get one installed.
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| Finnegan |
Posted on 09/09/12 - 9:43 AM
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For many years, Mercury's external oil tank holds 3 gallons, enough oil for at least 150 gallons of fuel, and on an Optimax, probably 200 gallons of fuel.
Regarding the first post, some part of the information on the engine is wrong. In 2003, there was no 125HP 3 cylinder Mercury Optimax. That engine has only been on the market about 4 years. Optimax engines are 2-stroke DFI, not EFI.
The only other 125HP engine Mercury sold in 2003 was a 2-stroke, carbureted 4 cylinder engine. It carried a 1 gallon oil reservoir which should be good for about 60 gallons of gasoline. No Mercury 2 stroke 125HP or less, conventional or Optimax, ever used an external oil tank.
Kamie's post above is incorrect.
Edited by Finnegan on 09/09/12 - 9:50 AM |
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| kamie |
Posted on 09/09/12 - 11:59 AM
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Finnegan would know, I know the 115HP did not,
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| CReinke |
Posted on 09/10/12 - 5:01 AM
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Thanks guys - The only think I know for sure is that it is a 125HP Optimax salt water series, 2S with an internal oil tank which is filled from the top of the engine cowl. The boat and engine are both 2003 and the boat does not have an external tank (my old Johnson did, but htis does not). I will pull the cover and see what I find underneath. The previous owner had said it was EFI and 3 cylinders, but it sounds like I should expect to find a 4 cylinder Carb.
Edited by CReinke on 09/10/12 - 5:20 AM |
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| kamie |
Posted on 09/10/12 - 12:14 PM
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You might contact a Mercury Dealer to see if you can convert it to use and external tank.
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| CReinke |
Posted on 09/10/12 - 6:36 PM
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Finnegan was spot on. The previous owner had indicated she was a 2003 2S 3 cylinder EFI 125HP Saltwater series.....well he got the 2S 125HP Saltwater series correct. She has a 4 cylinder carbureted engine. I have been checking the oil periodically and it holds the 1 gallon as you stated, which has just outlasted the 56 gallon fuel tank. The good news is this board has been able to set the record straight. The better news is that the previous owner knew so little about the boat he NEVER tried to fix anything himself and all work was done by a certified mechanic (I have the service records).
Thanks Folks.
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