1998 Mercury Optimax 150 Electronic Issues

[enmreal]

A buddy of mine is having intermittent electrical problems with his Mercury Optimax. Does anyone have any good suggestions for someone in the Chattanooga area that can work on the Optimax? It had all the appearance of being a "kill switch" issue. He was in Hide Out slough across river from Chester Frost. Had had no problems like this before. It would turn over, but would not hit a lick. He flipped the kill switch back and forth, but still no firiing. He used his trolling motor to get back across the river, and someone pulled him to the dock from the mouth of Dallas Bay. While his buddy was backing his truck into the water to trailer the boat, he gave the kill switch another series of on/offs and the motor started right up. However, he has had similar issues since.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[tnfatguy]

I had a similar problem on my 1997 Merc 150 and it was the main wiring harness connector on the engine was loose. I put a cable tie on it and it has worked fine since. Hope this helps.

 

[enmreal]

Thanks tnfatguy; I will pass this along to my buddy. Based on feedback received on wetaline, I believe he is taking his boat to Chattanooga Fish and Fun this week.

 

[wetaline]

Im a pray for your buddy! These optis are hard to shade tree I have the service manual and it helps a ton. I'm giving it my last go now at fixing it then it's going to bunch marine. I'm sorry to hear about your buddies problem they are hard to work on. Even with the manual they are tuff. Let us know what he finds as I will do the same!