2002 Utopia 185....needs new engine, help appreciated.

[docster]

Looking at a 2002 Utopia 185 with the 200 Optimax engine. The engine is toast, owners never realized that oil must be added to 2 strokes. Anyway, boat is mint, and somewhat affordable. Asking 3k at dealer. The dealer quoted me 5500 to replace engine with new one from mercury. Thats 8500 for a boat that Blue books at 9500 or so. Sounds like a good deal. Now to my questions, I am very handy and could easily do the swap myself, that should save about 2 grand i would think. what issues do i need to address when replacing the powerhead. Is it just a direct swap, or do i have to worry about the DESS and reprograming that? Also, the 200 Optimax is a 2.5L, but could i put a 250 Optimax in there? that is a 3L. Would the pump handle that? I see the 250 powerheads for only 3-400 more, so thats well worth the extra 50 HP if you ask me. Anyways, just looking for as much info on replacing the powerhead as possible. Anyone done this before?

Thanks in advance

 

[Racereddie]

Is it just a direct swap, or do i have to worry about the DESS and reprograming that? Also, the 200 Optimax is a 2.5L, but could i put a 250 Optimax in there? that is a 3L. Would the pump handle that? I see the 250 powerheads for only 3-400 more, so thats well worth the extra 50 HP if you ask me. Anyways, just looking for as much info on replacing the powerhead as possible. Anyone done this before?

Thanks in advance

There is an adaptor that is needed to connect the different powerheads to the m2 jet pump. Also take a look at the exhaust, they are different. I would call mercury to get the straight scope.

Eddie

 

[docster]

There is an adaptor that is needed to connect the different powerheads to the m2 jet pump. Also take a look at the exhaust, they are different. I would call mercury to get the straight scope.

Eddie

good to know. i will try to do that. What about rebuilding one of these? is it pretty simple two stroke rebuild, or is it a bit complicated to do and need lots of special tools.

 

[Dr Honda]

You would also need all the electronics too. That's not part of the rebuild price. (not worth trying to go bigger)

good to know. i will try to do that. What about rebuilding one of these? is it pretty simple two stroke rebuild, or is it a bit complicated to do and need lots of special tools.

It's not hard to do a rebuild on these. If there isn't a huge hole in the engine... a "kit" is about $1k. Then... depending on the damage... you may have another $400 to have the block bored and honed. If you have damage to the crank... that's about $450 to fix. But, knowing that it was run out of oil... one or more pistons are just going to be stuck. Who knows... you may be able to etch the cyl walls, and give them a quick hone... and just put in STD size pistons.

We can walk you though a rebuild. There are at least 4 of us on here who have done it.

You can see my rebuild here.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthre...ndia-Project-(Engine-rebuild-and-other-stuff)

If the boat is VERY clean... I would get it. Chances are... you can do the engine for $1,000 to $1600.

 

[docster]

The Boat is extremely clean. I am going to do some more reading on rebuilding one of those engines. I am also going to look at a Challenger 1800 with twin 787s, I like the idea of being able to replace an entire engine for 700 bucks. But i do like the bit larger roomier Utopia, so we will see.