115 Optimax Pro Xs Question

[Chief 2]

Just picked up my new 190 TX Tracker yesterday and went out today to do the initial break in on the motor. It seems that the motor really vibrates between 1300 and 3000 rpm. Shakes the console. Just curious if this is normal or not. Other than that it runs great.Thanks!

 

Gary

[slonezp]

Are you doing the break in properly? 1300-3000rpm seems low. On my 225 ProXS, the first 2 hours were motor trimmed down all the way running 4000-5500rpm changing rpm every 2 minutes. And under normal operation you shouldn't have excessive vibration 

[Chief 2]

Yes, I was doing the break in which Mercury recommends the 2min time frame between 3000 and 4500. It is when I am powering up I feel the vibration and having to go slow in slow speed zones. Running above 3000 it smooths right out. I do feel like it surges a little almost like it is cavitating just slightly at 3000. Thanks for the help!

 

Gary

[Sam]

Chief, my new SUV doesn't steer straight but other than that it drives great!!!

 

You have a problem. Not only is something wrong with the motor but I doubt if the Power Pros at the BPS shop have enough sense to fix the problem, at least on the first two tries.

 

Take the boat back and have the BPS Power Pro people test it and ask to have the certified Mercury mechanic do the work. Not the stooges they let work on the boats and motors and charge you full price; THE MASTER MECHANIC that should be assigned to the shop.

 

If they fail to correct the problem bite the bullet and take the motor to a certified Mercury repair shop in your area and have them look at the motor. These independent Mercury dealers and repair shops know what they are doing and they will be 100% honest with you. Make sure the work is covered under your Mercury warrenty.

 

And when you are at the independent Mercury dealer order two or three extra keys. I have one on the boat; one to use to start the boat; and one in my garage as a backup. The Power Pro people will have no idea of how to get extra Mercury motor keys but the independent shops can order them for you easily.

 

Please follow up and let us know what you do and the results.

 

Good luck.

[slonezp]

Any Merc dealer can do warranty work.

 

Sam, I've found a much easier way to acquire extra keys. I drop the boat off at the shop without keys and the mechanics always leave their spares in the ignition.

[Sam]

Sloanezp is the man!!!!

 

I should have thought of that.

[kwhorne19]

Any Merc dealer can do warranty work.

 

Sam, I've found a much easier way to acquire extra keys. I drop the boat off at the shop without keys and the mechanics always leave their spares in the ignition.

  I wouldn't doubt if the cost of that key is figured in somewhere

[Chief 2]

Took the boat back to the dealer today for the vibration and a leaking wheel seal. Looked at the motor, drained the fuel at the motor to check for water or debris, nothing. Attempted to check the computer on it and the Mercury plant was closed so they couldn't get a link up with their computers for troubleshooting. Just my luck a 150 mi. round trip for what! Got the seal fixed though. I did call Mercury Tech support the other day and the fellow I spoke with felt it was just a breakin issue, so did the mechanic today. He told me to keep running it. I got a receipt that I brought it in for the issue, so if it blows up it is on them.

[Bob C]

My 150 did that when new. The prop was loose. Tightening it up helped a lot. It still had some vibration and it didn't completely go away until I got some hours on it. Now it's very smooth. I think they set it up to run rich until the break in period. It was horrible on fuel consumption until the third tank.

[PotomacBassin]

I have a 115 Opti and I can't think of any serious vibrations.  I think once in a while when I come off plane after a long run, it may vibrate a little more than usual around 1500 rpms but it smooths out.  I wonder if this is the same type of thing.  Is this your first 'larger' motor? Could just seem like more vibration than you're used to. Is it cutting out/dying at all?  You probalby aren't going to run at those rpms too often (not meaning it's OK)  but my motor runs way better at idle and WOT as far as 'smoothness'.  Just saying.  

[Chief 2]

Thanks for the feedback. I will check the prop today. I hope to get out tomorrow and put some additional hours on it. The vibration is certainly more pronounced in the mid range of rpms. The motor runs great otherwise.

Potomac,

What type of speed are you getting now that you are broken in?

Gary

[PotomacBassin]

It depends on conditions and number of people, obviously, but it ranges from 46-50 mph on GPS.  The speedometer on mine, like most boats, isn't 100 percent accurate.