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common issues for Mercury 2 stroke 200 hp outboards
Alley Oop	#1  Posted on 02/13/20 - 9:52 PM
Member Posts: 67 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/06/14	Are there any common problems/issues with a Mercury 2 stroke 200 hp outboard? The one I may be buying was built around 1997. Thanks for any input. Mark The beatings will continue until morale improves.
biggiefl	#2  Posted on 02/14/20 - 7:52 AM
Member Posts: 890 Comments: 4 Joined: 05/08/06	Time.....it's 23 years old, anything can happen. 24 Whalers so far....
fly4navy	#3  Posted on 02/15/20 - 7:00 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 9 Comments: 0 Joined: 01/12/20	Are they options max's? I own two 200 h.p. (2001"s) and they have been bullet proof!
Alley Oop	#4  Posted on 02/16/20 - 4:53 PM
Member Posts: 67 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/06/14	As far as i can tell, there are no options max's. The owner has only had the boat for 2 years and cannot tell me anything about the outboard.. Thanks for the input. The beatings will continue until morale improves.
Finnegan	#5  Posted on 02/16/20 - 11:29 PM
Member Posts: 1926 Comments: 16 Joined: 05/02/08	Based on what the seller is saying, I'd say stay away. Too much risk. If the oil injection system has been removed or not working, RUN away. Previous poster is probably referring to an "Optimax" direct injected engine. If you want one of those, you want 2004 or newer.
fly4navy	#6  Posted on 02/17/20 - 5:42 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 9 Comments: 0 Joined: 01/12/20	Sorry....meant to say OPTI MAX's . Spell check drives me nuts sometimes!
fly4navy	#7  Posted on 02/17/20 - 5:47 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 9 Comments: 0 Joined: 01/12/20	I have 2001 OPTI MAX's and although good engines, there're two things you need to be aware of: 1. The compressors tend to go at about 800 hours and they MUST be replaced to the tune of about $800 per engine 2. The starters also tend to go at about 800 hours also and will need to be replaced (also about $800 a pop)