Slow cranking Optimax

[dvfx1]

I have a question for you 200 Opti owners.I've been running one for 3 years now without any problems, but have noticed it has been a slow cranker.Are all Optimax's like this or do I have a problem with too much draw on the battery?Thanks.

[Jim Ordway]

I am hoping the answer is that it does crank slow. I have a new 225, and, compared to my old efi, sometimes I wonder if it is going to even turn over. It starts great in cold weather, so no complaints. The slow cranking is a bit disconcerting, but I figured it must be normal.
Take care,

[John from IL]

They ARE slow crankers, especially when the ambient temperature is cold or if the battery is "in the twilight of it's life". In order to start and run, the Opti has to develop some air pressure. The itty-bitty piston in the air compressor would take forever to build pressure. So, to assist in building pressure "quickly" the ecu holds the direct injectors open for a couple of crankshaft revolutions and uses the engines pistons to help develop that air pressure. Once the direct injectors "close", there's a bunch of sudden resistance, that's why they sound like they're about to give up cranking just before they start.

-John

[Jim Carroll]

Post #2 is right on the money. I can only add to make sure you have a starting battery in excellent condition and of the proper size. Mercury recommends a minimum of 1000 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) for Opti's. Jim Carroll NPA# 588

[WCoyote]

The first year I had mine I was sure I had a problem, but over time it just dawned on me that the Opti Max motors are slow crankers. However they always, always start and start quickly, which is great, plus long warm up time with these motors is a thing of the past.