Blown Opti!

[abs988s]

I feel like I just ran over my own dog, guys. I've read all of the tips and always let it warm up properly; I guess the 47 degree water and 40 degree air temps were just colder than I was used to. Anyway, #6 has 0 lbs. compression and aluminum on the spark plug. Motor is an '02 200 Optimax with 155 hrs.

The story is that as I let it warm to at least 100 (now I know I should have waited to at least 120). I took off easy out of the no-wake, after a half-mile there was a reduction in power, followed by a complete shut down with an audible knocking while coming off plane (no alarms). Tried to refire and it'd hit but wouldn't crank. Trolled over to some guys we knew nearby and refired and it purred like a kitten at a 580 rpm idle with no knocking. Fished a while and tried to take off and it would try, just didn't have the power and the knock was back. Trolled into the ramp, next stop the shop, the rest is history.

Anyway, baby #2 is due June 2, so you can understand most of my funds are appropriated for the time being. I wasn't planning on getting out much the rest of the year after the baby, so my plan at this point is to fish out of the 15' jon boat if need be, then get the Opti lookaed at later in the year. Does anybody have any input on what the likely damage is, given that the compression on #6 is 0lbs. Would it be rebuildable, or should I just go ahead and plan on a new powerhead?

Also, who in the Springfield area do you feel is qualified/competent to overhaul an optimax?

I appreciate any advice and insight.

[flytyer57]

Sounds to me like you melted a piston.

An engine should still run even if it's cold, but the aluminum on the spark plug says something got too hot.

[abs988s]

They say Opti's are notorious for cold seizing when not brought up to proper operating temperature prior to holeshot, which I thought I had done. The #6 piston is usually what goes since its closest to both the water inlet and exhaust port. Basically, the piston warms up faster that the block and with the tight clearances, it has nowhere to move once expanded.

[Dutch]

The number one reason for an Opti to go like that is as you stated, failure to properly warm them up. I always wait till mine is 120° even during the day when I have been on a bank for quite a while.

Bruce Tangora at Tangora marine in Nixa has been doing motors for a very long time. I had him do one for me a few years ago and wouldn't hesitate to call him again.

Brian Hyter at Ulrich Marine in Branson West is a very good wrench also.

[Gary Lange]

Take it to Mike Edwards at Top Gun Marine in Nixa, Mo. 2019 Michael Ln. phone 417-725 1887. Mike will fix it right and treat you right and treat you fair upfront. He is an honest shop that does quality repair all the time.

[abs988s]

I've been working with Mike Binder from Willard. He worked in service for years at Center City before they went south. Anybody have any experience with Mike? Seems like a straight shooter and very knowledgeable.

[gotmuddy]

That sounds rough, hate to hear that for you.