2006 merc 175 optimax lifting ring - The Hull Truth

tug773 · 06-17-2009, 02:19 PM

I'm looking for some advice buying a lifting ring for a Mercury Optimax. When I go to ebay I find several to chose from.I do not have the motor yet and do not specifically know the diameter of the threaded hole on top of flywheel. Can anyone help with this, Are all Mercs the same except the Verado. (I ask that because the seller specifically states it will not fit the Verado model). I am wondering if this is the proper one for the Optimax..The ring has 1 1/2 -16" threads, Is that the correct item ? The item is a flywheel puller and lifting ring and the seller sells one for $28 and one for $50.
The $50 one is labeled "Mercury Mariner Optimax Flywheel Puller Lifting Ring"
The 28$ one is sold as "Mercury Mariner Flywheel Puller Lifting Ring New Tool"

When I asked the seller the specific difference his answer was
"This one and the others are identical. However for some reason the optimax has a nicer spacer which rotates on a bearing instead of the engine, thus not scratching it."
mbsmfg

My ? is do I need the spacer specifically for the Optimax or will the $28 tool work the same? And is the 1 1/2-16" threads the proper one for the Optimax?

Thanks for your help

Mercury Mariner Optimax Flywheel Puller Lifting Ring

A1 Outboard · 06-18-2009, 03:33 AM

I would purchase the Optimax lifting ring.

tug773 · 06-18-2009, 06:01 AM

A1 can you help me. I see you rebuild engines,can you tell me what the diameter and thread size is on the flywheel of a 175 HP Optimax the year is 2006. I want to purchase the lifting ring but am unsure of the size that will fit in the receiving hole in the Merc Flywheel. Is 1 1/2 - 16" the proper size.
Also I rephrased the ? on ebay to the seller of the lifting ring. He claims the OPtimax ring has a bushing that rotates and the cheaper one will scratch something. I'm not sure I understand what will get scratched, The flywheel? If the puller threads into the flywheel than what can possibly get scratched? I am rehanging this motor from one boat to another so I do not really need to rotate this motor in the air just reposition on stern of another boat.
Thanks Again

A1 Outboard · 06-23-2009, 01:31 PM

The swivel in the lifting device prevents the device from unscrewing itself from the flywheel. The scratching he is talking about is the engine as you attempt to move around to position an the transom of the boat. The device without the swivel can be a struggle to use.