Hi,

 

I have a 2011 150 Pro X/S Optimax that has an excessive smoking issue at idle and black carbon build up on the through prop exhaust seemed to start after using Optimax DFI oil my dealer told me they used the Premium Plus oil when I took delivery won't use the DFI oil because of issues. Does/Did anyone one else here have the similar problems with the Otimax DFI oil? I use Quickkleen #2 still doesn't clean up the carbon. Motor was checked by diagnostic equipment 3 times and no problems showed up there.

 

Tight Lines

Pa Angler

 

 

The DFI oil has more additives to combat carbon build up. Merc recommends DFI as a first choice for your motor. I had heard they changed to the DFI because fishermen are now using SI/DI/ and SS technology. Motors are idling excessively nowadays which is causing the added carbon buildup. I have been using DFI since new and don't experience smoke issues. Do you run WOT at all or just putt around? I'm no expert but running WOT may help burn off some of the crap that has built up. 

I run mostly run WOT but in no wake zones I have to idle through and it smokes like heck to the point I thought I blew something up but three diagnostic checks showed nothing wrong my dealer told me they only use Premuim Plus on all Optimax motors.

 

Tight Lines

Pa Angler

Would it be possible that the oil pump is pumping too much oil in?  No idea really, but to me smoke means oil.

Run it low then switch back to premium plus and see if the smoking continues. More than likely just the difference in oils, but that way you'll know for sure.

I run the DFI oil as per Mercury recommendation on my 2013 250 XS and don't get any smoke.  The DFI oil is supposed to have more carbon guards in it.

_{My dealer told me the same thing about using premium plus. Checked mercury and they say dfi. I was also running premium gas (92 oct), after I switched to lower octane, it does not smoke as much.}

I run the DFI oil as per Mercury recommendation on my 2013 250 XS and don't get any smoke.  The DFI oil is supposed to have more carbon guards in it.

 

I have carbon build up exiting the prop. Motor was compter checked 3 times no issues were found.

_{My dealer told me the same thing about using premium plus. Checked mercury and they say dfi. I was also running premium gas (92 oct), after I switched to lower octane, it does not smoke as much.}

 

It smokes using 10% ethanol 87 octane  as well as 91 octane non ethanol.

Thanks for the replies,

 

I'm going to drain out the optimax oil but not to far as to have to bleed the air out of the system I'll leave the feed line to the motor covered with oil and I'll see if there's a difference.

 

Tight Lines

Pa Angler

Let us know if that helps.

The change to Premium Plus didn't work I may have motor issues I have called Mercury Marine and now it's in their hands Mercury Marine had me take the boat to the dealer for evaluation and/or repair.

 

Tight Lines

Pa Angler

I know this an old thread........

What was your outcome?

did you happen to put it back in break in mode?  it will double oil if you did.  run 87 octane.  91 doesnt burn hot enough and will lead to more carbon buildup around the rings. 

Run some seafoam through it when you think the carbon is building up. Works great for me.