[arg725]

I had a 2001 225 optimax which I purshased brand new. In the first 3 years i went through 2 powerheads - both times I was told that it "sucked a reed valve" and scored the piston. Both times they only replaced the reed block that was bad instead of replacing all of them (4 or 6, I'm not sure). in 2006, It blew up again, same problemwith reed valve - Mercury would not warranty it this time - which I sort of understand - but it was a recurring problem.
Kicker is - they told me (when I was paying for it) that you should always replace all reed blocks with a new powerhead. After numerous phone calls and letters to Mercury - I got nowhere and had to pay for it - they will not get my hard earned money again.