Optimax Compressor

[Jeff]

2007 Year Optimax 175. Installed March 2008

On the last couple of times out I thought the engine sounded 'different' ,, a bit of a 'strange noise' but otherwise no problem, lack of power etc .
I have for some time wondered about the air compressor as a 'wear' item and worried about the consequences of it failing at sea or catastrophically and causing serious damage to the block etc ? Air pressures were checked and find at last service in Feb 2014 at 702 hrs
The compressor has had a number of changes and supersessions over the years to 'resolve' a design/manufacturing problem

Anyway - power of the internet I found this bit of diagnostics :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4nD6FhdPjw

This was my clickety clack ! even if not quite so pronounced

New compressor ordered and fitted - and thankfully the right diagnosis ( I'm often accused of being ocd with baby !)

Photos show the debris inside the old unit 804 hours

Changed oil return lines as a precaution and thankful to my local mercury man for opening on a Saturday football day !

For those others with an Optimax, worth checking I would suggest.

Jeff

[diver 1]

Must be a part made by Audi looking at all those metal fragments!

[uncle al]

If there is a filter in the oil line ,I would sugjest replacing it. thats the serious answer.
the tongue in cheek answer is that is just the newness wearing of.

[Jeff]

Thanks uncle al. You are of course right ,,, the filter on the upper crankcase return is part of the nipple and a push fit into the block ,,, got a new one but worried about it shearing/snapping off as it wouldn't move ,,, so left it. The other line return to the lower has a screen in the compressor.
Let us pray ,,,
A lot of the debris was plastic-like ,,, not sure if that if that is what the bearing cage is made of ?
Thx