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Optimax "Overheat" alarm
scrimshaw	#1  Posted on 08/31/08 - 5:24 AM
Member Posts: 437 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/09/07	Yesterday we ventured off again to parts unknown this time the only thing different was we had to return to the car as the boat sat in neutral running. We were less than 5 minutes then we went,in about 1/2 mile a steady alarm sounded"OVERHEAT" on Smartcraft gauge. I shut down, tilted to inspect for blockage then reset the Smartcraft system and restarted. The temp reading was 141 upon restart and then fell to 98 as we throttled up.The telltale is strong and the impeller new as of August ( saw full service) ,plenty of oil in tank. Well the kids wanted to swim and requested a trip to N.Y. so off we went, temps never went above 102 at cruise.Upon return after a good 40 mile outing we entered the no wake zone and proceeded to the slip,then only feet away the alarm again,tied her up and now sit confused. What is the normal operating temp for a 2006 Optimax 150Hp ? I could never get the temp that triggered the event as the screen goes to "OVERHEAT" most I saw was 147.Per suggestion of a good friend here a trickle charge has been running all night,I'll hook up a hose to the flush port for awhile and sneak out of the Harbor outside the channel pushing up a wonderful wake.We'll see what happens today she'll see the Mercury Laptop again Tuesday for alittle fine tuning.
duf	#2  Posted on 08/31/08 - 5:30 AM
Member Personal Page Photo Albums Posts: 840 Comments: 9 Joined: 04/22/07	Well, at least i don't feel like the lone Ranger Jim! Duf
MW	#3  Posted on 08/31/08 - 5:35 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1827 Comments: 10 Joined: 01/08/06	Have the Thermostat's been done lately ? Did they replace the WHOLE water pump "Housing and wear plates", or did they just replace the impeller ? Thermostat's should be replaced once a year (I learned the hard way). mw
scrimshaw	#4  Posted on 08/31/08 - 5:47 AM
Member Posts: 437 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/09/07	MW, entire water pump replaced,I feel a new thermostat in my future.
stratford260	#5  Posted on 08/31/08 - 6:21 AM
Member Posts: 1 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/31/08	How often do you flush the engine? Salt build could be the culprit.
scrimshaw	#6  Posted on 08/31/08 - 4:31 PM
Member Posts: 437 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/09/07	No alarms today ! Go figure ? Spoke with my Mercury Mechanic and the thermostat will be changed on Tuesday as well as see the laptop at speed .Max temp today 119 degrees. Edited by scrimshaw on 08/31/08 - 4:54 PM
scrimshaw	#7  Posted on 08/31/08 - 6:02 PM
Member Posts: 437 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/09/07	Bob,who knows ? There are 429 hours on the engine as of today,so I'll treat her to a new thermostat and whatever else she may need. She's been good to me and the crew ! I think disconnecting the whole unit is key to resetting the system.
greatbay	#8  Posted on 08/31/08 - 7:34 PM
Member Posts: 1 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/05/08	Dear brother in law, maybe you need a 1978 Evinrude instead? Edited by greatbay on 08/31/08 - 7:38 PM
scrimshaw	#9  Posted on 09/01/08 - 3:28 AM
Member Posts: 437 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/09/07	Greatbay,thanks for the offer ! I'll stay with the Black Power, can't see breaking up your classic unit. How about some pictures of that rig?
scrimshaw	#10  Posted on 09/04/08 - 5:45 AM
Member Posts: 437 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/09/07	Well,she's back in her bearth ! A faulty wire that had come in contact with the housing caused the sensor to trigger the alarm. Easy fix, once found ! The Optimax now has 460 hours and this was my first problem,I can live with that.
duf	#11  Posted on 09/04/08 - 9:50 AM
Member Personal Page Photo Albums Posts: 840 Comments: 9 Joined: 04/22/07	Glad to hear it was so minor Jim. Maybe i'll get some of your luck! Duf
MW	#12  Posted on 09/04/08 - 1:49 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1827 Comments: 10 Joined: 01/08/06	"Phew", I LOVE "minor" problem's, we get enough "BIG" ones. Glad it was a quick fix. mw