Mercury 225 Promax question

[Cgrohe223]

So I've been looking around for daytonas with an outboard and I may have found the one if it doesn't sell today, it's got 409 hours on it and says it runs about 70ish but has a low end prop on it. I don't know much about the motors so any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[scouter]

I know that spot! Right across the lake from me....

My 2 outboards are Opti's, and I love them. Don't know much about the Pro max, sorry.....

 

[outboardrick]

The Pro Max is a great motor, just lower performance (and much longer life) than the race versions. That boat propped correctly should run mid to high 70's :thumbsup

 

[No Butt No Putt]

There's a nicer one for sale in Martinez that has a 300xs on it. He wants $19,000.

 

[DaytonaBabe]

I can tell you that the 225 ProMax was the most expensive motor I've ever owned. Gives me the willies when I see one.

 

[No Butt No Putt]

 

[No Butt No Putt]

His name is Jason 619-922-9559

 

[outboardrick]

I can tell you that the 225 ProMax was the most expensive motor I've ever owned. Gives me the willies when I see one.

What happened?

 

[Hava-Schiada]

I have had my 1996 225 PM for 18 years. Had it rebuilt 5 years ago when it blew after running too lean due to the throttle position indicator going bad. I ignored the symptoms, my bad. Other than that, it has been bullet proof and reliable. Change the gear oil regularly and ensure the lower end seals are holding. Take it to Fallon Marine and have him go through it if you are serious about purchasing. Oh...and I run AV Gas without any problems. Keeps the two stroke smoke down and you know you are getting good gas.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Had a 225 ProMax on my Eliminator, easy 70+ MPH boat. It was fun. OD1's buddy Chris bought it and it is in Parker now.

Here is a good thread to read

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/showthread.php?116492-Mercury-ProMax-225


Long story short, I would never own another because they are very temperamental. Also make sure that if you do get one with a CLE lower that you have the lower gone through and the seals replaced. I was constantly having issues with my lower unit until it locked up and had to be replaced.

 

[DaytonaBabe]

What happened?

Full obstruction of an injector took out the 4, 5 and 6 pistons. Replaced those, the port head and all lines and hoses. Had to send the block LA sleeve for resleeve and hone. All injectors were sent to Brucato cleaned and tested. About $8k. # highstrungmotorproblems. Lol

Was like a new motor when we were done... then the Daytona came up for sale and we jumped ship, literally.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

They are pretty sexy though!!

 

[outboardrick]

Full obstruction of an injector took out the 4, 5 and 6 pistons. Replaced those, the port head and all lines and hoses. Had to send the block LA sleeve for resleeve and hone. All injectors were sent to Brucato cleaned and tested. About $8k. # highstrungmotorproblems. Lol

Was like a new motor when we were done... then the Daytona came up for sale and we jumped ship, literally.

Wow, bad luck :thumbsdown
I had a V8 for YEARS and love them.....other people have had nothing but trouble with them.

 

[Cgrohe223]

So sounds like it's an overall good motor

 

[pwerwagn]

I was looking at a boat with twin 225's. The guys on scream and fly told me if you keep good fuel in them and top pin the Pistons they are fantastic. Would probably be worth having the injectors looked at by someone up front.

 

[Stainless]

At 409 hours its not a spring chicken but it depends on how its been treated, fuel/oil quality, rpm history. If it were me I would try to get owner to pay for a leak down test by a qualified shop. Overall that's a good looking machine which probably says the owner has taken good care of her.

 

[Cgrohe223]

Well I'm going to give the boat a look hopefully Saturday and look over everything

 

[scouter]

Well I'm going to give the boat a look hopefully Saturday and look over everything

If you're going to be looking at it in Martinez and need a place to crash, hit me up.....

 

[aka619er]

Promax is my favorite motor of all time. My last three boats all had 225 promax's which I was told all really had 240hp from the factory. The sound of one spinning up is music to my ears. As said though they are expensive when they go. And they do go. 400 hours is knocking at the door. I never had one go that long before requiring a rebuild. Either a simple of catastrophic. As long as the deal is ready for at least a drop in power head then have fun. I agree with others though. My next outboard will be a 4 stroke. Way better reliability and fuel economy.

 

[Wicky]

The Promax on the back of my boat pushes it to a C hair under 100mph...I have had it since it had 50 hours on it and it probably has over 1300hours right now. Never a hiccup with the motor. Removal of oil injection is the number one preventative measure to making your motor live. Premix 32:1, smoke your buddies out, idle and kill mosquitos, and your motor will seemingly live forever. So bulletproof, it has been amazing. 6800 rpms for 19 years straight WFO and it still crushes most boats on the local lake, if not almost all.

 

[Wicky]

At 409 hours its not a spring chicken but it depends on how its been treated, fuel/oil quality, rpm history. If it were me I would try to get owner to pay for a leak down test by a qualified shop. Overall that's a good looking machine which probably says the owner has taken good care of her.

It's just broke in!!!!

 

[Cgrohe223]

It's just broke in!!!!

I looked up hours on them and some have got over 2000 hours which is crazy but j know it's getting tired around that time but good know. Is it hard to service the oil injection in these and does it have a tank that you dump the oil into

 

[Cgrohe223]

If you're going to be looking at it in Martinez and need a place to crash, hit me up.....

Owner actually lives in San Diego but boats at the river

 

[Flying_Lavey]

There's a nicer one for sale in Martinez that has a 300xs on it. He wants $19,000.

View attachment 486209

His name is Jason 619-922-9559

I might have to refer my cousin to this one.

 

[Stainless]

I looked up hours on them and some have got over 2000 hours which is crazy but j know it's getting tired around that time but good know. Is it hard to service the oil injection in these and does it have a tank that you dump the oil into

I have not owned one but I believe the weak point is a plastic wheel that meters the oil flow. As Wicky said many have removed the system and just pre-mix. I remember there is a block-off cover you can buy or possibly make your own if you remove it. Just going off stuff I have read about them.

 

[Cgrohe223]

View attachment 486209

Nice boat but little steep on the wallet right now haha I was close to buying the red 82 from maxed out but owner was stuck at 18,700

 

[Cgrohe223]

I have not owned one but I believe the weak point is a plastic wheel that meters the oil flow. As Wicky said many have removed the system and just pre-mix. I remember there is a block-off cover you can buy or possibly make your own if you remove it. Just going off stuff I have read about them.

I see well if I get it I'll need to look into it cause I don't feel like blowing that motor up or something happening

 

[No Butt No Putt]

Nice boat but little steep on the wallet right now haha I was close to buying the red 82 from maxed out but owner was stuck at 18,700

Jason's bottom dollar was 18k. Not a penny less. Engine only has like 60 hours on it. I would have bought it but it was more then I had and I couldn't do the pink and purple. + the $6000 in gel, $2500 interior.

 

[Cgrohe223]

Jason's bottom dollar was 18k. Not a penny less. Engine only has like 60 hours on it. I would have bought it but it was more then I had and I couldn't do the pink and purple. + the $6000 in gel, $2500 interior.

It's got the old school look ya little out of my price range

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

If you can get a daytona with a 300xs on it for $19k i would look at that one first. The newer daytonas have had some transom issues, check it out good. Also find out if it is glass or Kevlar lay up, worth ore if it's Kevlar but very prone to stress cracks because the hull is only 500 pounds. With a 300 your looking at 105 or so, daytonas really come to life with the 3 liter motors. With 400 plus hours a big bill is around the corner, if you go into knowing that and are ready for it financially then go for it. Also it's important to know what lower it has on it.

I'll sell mine when I get it done, still sorting out lots of issues from sitting for 10 years from but making progress. 84mph and climbing.

Next up will be a 22 with twins.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Take the oil injection out. It will fail.

 

[Cgrohe223]

If you can get a daytona with a 300xs on it for $19k i would look at that one first. The newer daytonas have had some transom issues, check it out good. Also find out if it is glass or Kevlar lay up, worth ore if it's Kevlar but very prone to stress cracks because the hull is only 500 pounds. With a 300 your looking at 105 or so, daytonas really come to life with the 3 liter motors. With 400 plus hours a big bill is around the corner, if you go into knowing that and are ready for it financially then go for it. Also it's important to know what lower it has on it.

I'll sell mine when I get it done, still sorting out lots of issues from sitting for 10 years from but making progress. 84mph and climbing.

Next up will be a 22 with twins.
View attachment 486224

But others just said 400 hours isn't much so which one is It haha

 

[TomD]

I looked up hours on them and some have got over 2000 hours which is crazy but j know it's getting tired around that time but good know. Is it hard to service the oil injection in these and does it have a tank that you dump the oil into

I don't have a pro-max but my 93' 2.5L Merc had oil injection which I removed. The oil injection worked fine. It's the horror stories you hear about it failing that are scary. The fiber/plastic gear on the crank that you don't see, that you can't replace with out a complete tear down is what fails. That and the pump shaft being steal doesn't help.
The system varies the amount of oil that is injected by RPM. It has 2 tanks, one remote tank under your rear deck typically that holds the bulk of the oil. Like 2 gallons I think. Then a small tank under the engine cover. Neither tank is vented. It uses crank case pressure to pump oil from the remote tank up the under cowl tank that feeds the pump.
There are a couple of sensors one for the pump and another on the under cowl tank for low volume.
By the time the sensor goes off that says the pump is not working it's usually to late and the damage is done and your rebuilding the engine. That is why guys remove the oil injection and premix.

 

[Cgrohe223]

So is this boat not a good thing to do or should it be good and remove the oil injection. Kinda has me scared to even get it

 

[Wicky]

I don't have a pro-max but my 93' 2.5L Merc had oil injection which I removed. The oil injection worked fine. It's the horror stories you hear about it failing that are scary. The fiber/plastic gear on the crank that you don't see, that you can't replace with out a complete tear down is what fails. That and the pump shaft being steal doesn't help.
The system varies the amount of oil that is injected by RPM. It has 2 tanks, one remote tank under your rear deck typically that holds the bulk of the oil. Like 2 gallons I think. Then a small tank under the engine cover. Neither tank is vented. It uses crank case pressure to pump oil from the remote tank up the under cowl tank that feeds the pump.
There are a couple of sensors one for the pump and another on the under cowl tank for low volume.
By the time the sensor goes off that says the pump is not working it's usually to late and the damage is done and your rebuilding the engine. That is why guys remove the oil injection and premix.

I have the entire system that I removed some 17 years ago and was throwing it away this weekend ironically. Free to good owner.

 

[Wicky]

So is this boat not a good thing to do or should it be good and remove the oil injection. Kinda has me scared to even get it

Removing it is easy. No worries. If it runs good, Oil injection hasn't failed yet, right! lol

 

[hallett21]

I would see if the owner will pay for a leak down. If it checks out I would remove injection and run AV gas or at least 50/50 AV and 91.

Have a mechanic check out the lower and monitor it every trip

 

[cicchetti_24]

So is this boat not a good thing to do or should it be good and remove the oil injection. Kinda has me scared to even get it

There is some good info in the thread, I think the first thing you should do it you buy it is remove the oil injector as that seems to be a source of concern. Nothing wrong with doing a little bit of mix.

If the boat is in good shape, and the motor checks out and you like it roll with it. Everyone is just giving you advice.

When I bought this boat I was told all sorts of things, and if it didn't suck water grass in the lower I wouldn't have done everything I did to it. It's just the chance we take when we buy something we want and like. I've seen these O/B run for a very long long time, and some here have had that happen. There are others that experienced something different, and I sure there are variables to consider in those opinions.

But looks like a clean boat!

 

[Stainless]

But others just said 400 hours isn't much so which one is It haha

It's RDP.

 

[Stainless]

Jason's bottom dollar was 18k. Not a penny less. Engine only has like 60 hours on it. I would have bought it but it was more then I had and I couldn't do the pink and purple. + the $6000 in gel, $2500 interior.

Basically getting an nearly new engine with a free boat, that's a great deal!

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I really can't shed much light on the Promax, but I can add that I've been premixing my carbed 2.4l 200 for 11 years now with zero issues at all. I agree, yank the oil injection crop and just pre-mix it. Shit, mine never even had the oil injection system on it. No mounts anywhere on the block for all the stuff either.

 

[Boatmaster]

I currently have a 2001 22 Daytona with twin 225 Pro Maxs. This is at least my tenth twin engine cat I have owned and I will say it may not be the fastest one but it is by far the most reliable of the performance Merc outboards that I have owned! Great motors just poor on mileage. On a side not Wicky I will take those injection parts. I will cover all frt just hit me up.

 

[No Butt No Putt]

Basically getting an nearly new engine with a free boat, that's a great deal!

He actually said he would sell the engine for $12,000. He was thinking about converting it to a jet.

 

[Cgrohe223]

I currently have a 2001 22 Daytona with twin 225 Pro Maxs. This is at least my tenth twin engine cat I have owned and I will say it may not be the fastest one but it is by far the most reliable of the performance Merc outboards that I have owned! Great motors just poor on mileage. On a side not Wicky I will take those injection parts. I will cover all frt just hit me up.

Well good to know most that had the motor says it's reliable I'm just wondering how hard it is to take that oil injection off

 

[Cgrohe223]

There is some good info in the thread, I think the first thing you should do it you buy it is remove the oil injector as that seems to be a source of concern. Nothing wrong with doing a little bit of mix.

If the boat is in good shape, and the motor checks out and you like it roll with it. Everyone is just giving you advice.

When I bought this boat I was told all sorts of things, and if it didn't suck water grass in the lower I wouldn't have done everything I did to it. It's just the chance we take when we buy something we want and like. I've seen these O/B run for a very long long time, and some here have had that happen. There are others that experienced something different, and I sure there are variables to consider in those opinions.

But looks like a clean boat!

Ya just like some said to just dump the Tahiti it's not worth it but now look it's all finished

 

[Cgrohe223]

So I'm going to see if I can rent a compression test kit and take it down with me to check the motor as well

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

I currently have a 2001 22 Daytona with twin 225 Pro Maxs. This is at least my tenth twin engine cat I have owned and I will say it may not be the fastest one but it is by far the most reliable of the performance Merc outboards that I have owned! Great motors just poor on mileage. On a side not Wicky I will take those injection parts. I will cover all frt just hit me up.

When you want to sell the 22 with twins give me a call 6613730791 - Walt

 

[Cgrohe223]

So basically this and your ready to premix besides disconnecting the alarm and taking the tanks off

 

[Boatmaster]

When you want to sell the 22 with twins give me a call 6613730791 - Walt

Will do Walt. Just finished a mild rerig, upholstery and trailer restoration. Very happy with the boat at this time but you never know.

 

[cicchetti_24]

So I'm going to see if I can rent a compression test kit and take it down with me to check the motor as well

Well do you own a new boat?