Is your outboard engine bogging down? Check this first!

Nothing is worse than getting your boat ready and getting down to the launch and you cant get on plane. So many things can go wrong on a boat but here are a couple things to check especially if you have a mercury optimax.

[@markj363]

Nothing better than an honest mechanic that actually can admit if he did something in error. Appreciate the vid. You kick ass

[@fishingfool2644]

I love troubleshooting videos. I like to see people go through the process of solving problem.

[@chemmer1127]

Good call dude. I was watching this video in the shop at home after work ... Only half paying attention to what I was working on and half to the video. My first thought was, I would've don't a vacuum test to see what the line had for vacuum and then pinched it off to see what it could pull to check the lift pump. I kept watching to the end of the video and was impressed, good find man. It's very easy in a situation like that to overcomplicate the problem when it's often something simple. Even better not letting ego out pride hey in the way of fixing something and not having it come back

[@Archangel_21]

Good work dude! Honesty is EVERYTHING!

[@steveodonnell2921]

Love the honesty brother. Not enough of that out there

[@22josta]

i once bought an only 8 yr old WaveRunner.. with super low hours because it sat most of the time.. The guy had it at 4 different shops because it would run fine when started up and idle..or low rpm.. but it would just Bog down and Die when he'd take it out and try to run it at speed... he was just fed up with it.. so he only charged me $1800 for it ( book value was $3600 minimum) The thing looked Brand spankin new for 8 yrs old!! I immediately went home and did a minor tune up, Plugs, Fresh gas, checked wire and coil.. but noticed the old grey fuel line... Immediately changed that. the ski was 60+ mph from that moment on!!! Rode it all summer with no issues, and sold it that fall for $3600. why nobody ever checked or suspected those fuel lines was beyond me... they were known for this issue. great videos!! keep em coming ands great work!!

[@adamfishing9741]

Great to see honesty mate👍

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Thanks 👍

[@steveneddy9492]

I had this same problem and I finally heard about the gas line failure

[@jimclifford1241]

Nicely done. Inside the fuel pressure tank (the one inside the motor cowling where the red filter is), there is a rubber grommet between the high-pressure side and the low-pressure side. It deteriorates because of alchohol in the fuel and is the usual source of the problem this motor had, along with the things you fixed. Be sure to have those grommets on hand and replace them often.

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

I had inspected the piece you’re talking about. Everything looked fine so it got reinstalled. Thanks for the advice.

[@user-sy3ep5np8g]

thank you so much for this. I have a problem with a 115hp Evinrude EFI doing the same thing and will see if this solves the problem..... Thanks again!!!!

[@danconn2065]

Thanks for the clear steps for diagnosis. I have a 2001( infamous) Opti DFI Salt Water 483 HRS. Just started having this 'bogging over 4500' issue - end of 2022. As it is a new to me (2021) engine, I have done many maintainence updates ( Impeller/Plugs/Compression test/Fuel Filters) BUT I guess I will need to clean the VST and REPLACE the Fuel Pump Diaphragm. NOTE: Air Compressor seems to be a weak spot on these engines. Apparently the cause can be loe Oil Flow to the Air Compressor and can cause early failure of the Piston. Maybe you could do a diagnostic to check this component and the Replacement seal kit for it?🛥

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Glad to be of help! The air compressors got better after the 08 year I believe. If that VST has never been open before it’s definitely a good start!

[@pault5816]

I have an 06 115 OptiMax and I installed a fuel water separator on it and I would say about a month or so after putting it on my motor I started having problems with the primer bulb going flat so I changed the bulb and got rid of all the old gray line the previous owner put on it and it did the same thing so I bypassed the fuel water separator and ran my boat again and had no issues with it. I was told by a couple people on a Mercury forum that motor doesn’t need that filter because it’s too restrictive on the motor and I still can’t believe it was that.

[@martinfromseacity2010]

Thanks for the info

[@truestoryz]

good video. thanks!

[@AttitudeAdjuster]

New subscriber, just wondering where abouts you guys are located, great video and always highlights assume nothing when handing over jobs as its easy to overlook the simple stuff. Cheers Garry

[@johnnyringo6519]

So what is the correct fuel line in motor compartment? What is the best line?

[@alpoktemornek7833]

Thanks for the video, I have suzuki 30 hp year 2019, she starts easiliy works well below 3000rpm. After running 5 minutes over 4000 rpm she starts bogging. Mechanics couldn't find a problem. Can you give me an advice?

[@TECH-pb4vi]

I’ve a 1989 force F5 150hp, cylinder #4 has no compression, any ideas of whether I should buy a new cylinder or new engine?

[@jimlem2075]

The pump and filter definitely were due for change. That grey fuel line you replaced with is that the one with blue writing that is compatible for ethanol fuel?

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

It says it is ethanol compatible but the evidence proves otherwise lol

[@danielrobert7181]

@@bustoutanotherthousand1257 That lined fuel conduit sure is ethanol compatible ... it is dissolved by it. The debris found in the filter well were indicative of fuel line degradation (I'm really smart in hind sight, lol). On my engines, I switched to plain rubber automotive line that gets replaced on a regular basis but wonder if in your opinion, there was a better alternative ? Regards.

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

@@danielrobert7181 we always use Sierra Silverado fuel line. We have never had issues with that line since there is no liner inside of the fuel line.

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Jim I misunderstood your question. We use Sierra Silverado fuel line. It doesn’t have the liner in it and we have never had an issue!

[@roughas100]

Oh my god , came across the same type of fuel hose last year with a Mercury 15hp 2 stroke , that clear liner crushed up that bad barely a drop of fuel got through, easier to work out that compared to a partial blockage like in the video .

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

All of those fuel lines just cause headaches at some point

[@carlosvelasquez2774]

​@@bustoutanotherthousand1257 I have a 2001 mercury 50 HP 4 stroke helllppp after I hit 4000 rpm it loses power 😢

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

@@carlosvelasquez2774 compression check first. Then spray it with ether when it’s running at that range and see if it picks up. If it does you have a fuel restriction.

[@MMAGUY13]

Have an outdoor 200 hp Yamaha. It loses power, but then it goes away and acts like nothing ever happened. I think that Bulb doesn’t get tight. Could that be the problem?

[@rdgsupafli]

Ya I’ve had my boat at the shop 3x with this issue I don’t have the gray fuel line coming from my fuel pump as I can see but it’s just a regular fueling coming from the cowling but you can see the outside is all cracked and sun burned. The shop just keeps saying the fuel pressure is good at 100 psi. Im gonna swap out the fuel and vst also new fuel filter maybe even the oil tank and hope it fixes my problem. I just know it’s something easy because the engine runs to well at idle and low speed.

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Have the checked fuel pressure when actually running the boat on the water or just at the shop?

[@rdgsupafli]

@@bustoutanotherthousand1257 no I spent 500 on diagnostics and the impeller that’s what they thought was the problem told me it was good. Picked up boat went to lake and same thing. They want to charge me more now to take it to lake I asked the mechanic what can I change myself on it to maybe fix it but he wouldn’t help. Supposed to be the best optimax mechanic in NorCal but seems like a fucking asshole to me. Wouldn’t give me any suggestions or get off his chair to show me anything. I even asked them hey next time you guys tell me it’s fixed make sure it’s actually running right take out to lake for me first then call me when it’s good but they never did.

[@farmer998]

new shop also

[@Alandad50]

We had the same problem on the fuel line on our 125 HP Merc, the inner lining collapsed and starved the motor, we couldn't even get onto the plane.

[@edwardfrick8337]

I've been told that I can increase my Hp. from 175Hp. To a 225 Hp. on my 2004 Evinrude 2 stroke engine salt water addition , by just changing a few things. The engine block is the same.

[@msamour]

I really feel like the guy would appreciate replacing the diaphragm in the pump and also replacing the fuel filter. At the end of the day if the boat works, that's all that matters.

[@richardboutwell7645]

I have a 1993 evinrude 150 and I have to pump the ball to keep it on pad. If not it’ll die. What’s the issue?

[@gufiaito69able]

You need to do more videos

[@kellyrafferty7792]

Question rpm gage ! Mine I am sure they all have this but there is a dial on the back with so numbers a letters how do I know what settings to use? 1998 115 evinroude ficht .

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Tach should be set to 6p I believe.

[@cowboysnation1594]

I’m getting smoke from the central hole from a mercury 20hp what can it be?

[@rubetube4727]

Should you have noticed or changed the liner line when you installed the fuel flow meter?

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Unfortunate I didn’t change the fuel flow meter. I found the fuel line with the liner afterwards

[@rubetube4727]

@@bustoutanotherthousand1257 awesome. Good job. New subscriber.

[@kentuckytrapper780]

My 2009 250xs was acting up at 3500 to 4500 rpms, it was the spark plugs..

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Optis are great running engines but finicky little devils.

[@willarddevoe5893]

Fuel line? I have a habit from model planes. I dont leave gas in the tank overnight. Just like a chainsaw, i pour or drain it back, and run the carburetor dry. My fuel line comes from the auto parts store and i change it periodically.

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Yes fuel line. The inner liner of the fuel line collapsed causing a fuel restriction.

[@RimjobHimself]

Its the ethanol you have in the fuel that is killing all hoses and leaving gunk in your carb and tanks.

[@markc2036]

Do you ever tear down an outboard for a full rebuild? Enjoyed the video

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Thanks!! I haven’t ever torn one down and rebuilt. But I just got home with a 225 mercury efi that’s knocking. So this will be a first and I’ll be sure to record my struggles lol

[@texasfire3932]

What fuel line did you use? Can you post a link! Looking to upgrade my fuel line as I am having the same problem with bogging

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

I ended up using Sierra brand fuel line!

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

www.wholesalemarine.com/sierra-silverado-4000-3-8-fuel-line/

[@denispyro4919]

Why is my Johnson 130 bogging after it starts? Rebuild carbs, new fuel, rebuild vro pump.

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

There are so many things to check. Anti siphon valve on boat side gas tank, making sure timing is advancing, clean fuel, clean fuel filter, non fouled plugs and more. First thing is compression check though.

[@jaydoman7540]

Kudos for your honesty & integrity! I was wondering when you went to the fuel pump & cylinders first. I have been told that there was a recall on the gray fuel line which I never was notified about. Routine maintenance caught my clogged filter before I had performance issues. You will keep busy with continued integrity & honesty as displayed! GOOD JOB!!!👍😊

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Thanks for the kind words Jay. I’d much rather keep people on the water than piss them off and screw them over and have them sick of boating! Lying gets us no where. Glad you caught it before any problems arose.

[@williampagano]

Get a man’s machine! Inboard, baby!🎉

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Go check out my other video! How to go 100 mph on the water. That should tickle your fancy

[@jefferyholmes2956]

I seam to have that problem with my boat can't load it on the trailer no power

[@carloscifuentes4630]

Got a motor that bogs down on neutral , please any idea what the heck is going on

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

I would get a fuel sample and make sure every cylinder it hitting for starters.

[@signelengis]

Those cheap fuel lines are trash. Buy the black lines and make your own. That vst was going to clog anyway with all that trash in the bottom. The high pressure pump screen would get blocked.

[@Techangler65]

Hook it up to your laptop with the diag. Tool installed

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

Yes. If it were throwing codes.

[@roonbooks3227]

Whover invented that type of hose should be thrown in jail...for life!!

[@chrisbruce7594]

I absolutely hate that gray mercury fuel line.. they are always my first check with a bogging issue. Number 1 worst fuel line ever.

[@icejunky806]

That EPA liner fuel line should be outlawed I also struggle for a long time with the same problem with both of my bass boats countless hours, grief and wasted money on a simple fix

[@jackfrosty79ify]

Mind surging

[@bankfishingislife5484]

this is why i dont take my boat to anybody.. unless i know they know what they are doing.. you get charged for all kinds of shit you never even needed its a joke.. and its not the customers fault.. mechanics work ass backwards. a 20 dollar part and 100 in labor to change a hose turns into a 500 to 600 on shit that wasnt even needed. then places are like why arent people ever bringing their boats back to us... i wonder why.

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

If you would have watched the whole video you would have seen the customer wasn’t charged at all. Real ass backwards lol

[@bankfishingislife5484]

@@bustoutanotherthousand1257 you said you charged him for the parts that didnt need fixed. lol. so sure thing when sure you can blame your other workers but that is something you shouldnt have charged him for. maybe you should watch the vid again.

[@bertrenolds5]

um muffs anyone? Shop running a motor without water

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

At what point..?

[@bertrenolds5]

@@bustoutanotherthousand1257 didn't see any water coming out of the pee hole or the water pump right when they started the motor in the beginning. Or did I miss it?

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

@@bertrenolds5 optimax engines take a bit to start peeing. There was never a point the engine ran dry.

[@rogerbaeza6930]

Meqnwhile you are going to charge the customer an arm and a leg for all that unnecessary work you guys did

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

If you watch the whole video you’d see different.

[@user-yh7id3uu4b]

90 psi that seems really low. Never had a mercury Seems like it’s on its last leg?

[@bustoutanotherthousand1257]

90 psi on a mercury optimax isn’t out of the ordinary. It’s a 2 stroke direct inject.