how good are the old merc outboards? i found a nice 1971 135hp p'm thinking of getting for my boat?

Answer 1

Typically an outboard is used very little throughout it's lifetime. A few weekends in the summer. Mercury makes a good motor.

Start it up. Does it have any knocking? No. Then it should be fine.

Try a compression check as well. Make sure there is not a big variance between the cylinders.

Answer 2

Merc Outboards are nice, but a little more complicated to work on than chryslers and evinrudes. As with all old outboards you want to find one that doesn't have rust pits in the driveshaft, or your lower unit's pinion seal will leak all it's oil out and fill with water. As soon as you buy it put a new water pump in it, and replace the thermostat if it takes one.
You will have to pull the lower unit off to do the pump, this would be a good time to take a look at the seal + the shaft where it goes into the lower unit. Be careful not to rotate the gear shifter shaft while it is apart so you insert it in the right position when it goes back together.

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with an old boat engine. Just go out to your local lake a look at some of the old ones still running. I would have a compression test done and have the engine checked out with a good mechanic first. Mercury has been around a long time and there are plenty of old one's still running.

Answer 4

After 1 0 years of service, an outboard is "TOAST", it would be like sending a ww II B-29 into combat on a bombing run today..

Answer 5

Was it used in salt water.?
Can you try it before you buy?
Get a compression test
Remember, this is 35 years old.

Answer 6

These old motors were bad about burning no1 cly, ,when carb stop up. (be sure you run a compression ck on it b/4 u buy

Answer 7

they're great when they work. i wouldn't buy an engine that old...it just sounds like trouble.

Answer 8

leave it alone. too old, too much trouble, too much money.