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On 29 Sep 2004 08:49:11 -0700, (Sailman) wrote:
I am considering buying a boat with an old (c. 1975) 115hp Mercury
outboard. According to the seller, it was rebuilt about 300 hours ago
and runs great. Assuming the basic checks came back fine
(compression, lower unit oil, etc.) and that it was rebuilt by a
reputable place, is an old but recently rebuilt outboard a good idea?
Put another way, is a 300 hour rebuilt engine comparable to any other
300 hour rebuilt engine, or does the old age add significant negative
issues?
Also, any guess as to the value of such an outboard?
Finally, is there some natural limit to the numbe of times you can do
a major rebuild on an outboard?
I would suggest a sea/water trial is essential in this case, with the
engine starting from cold. Pay attention to to noises and vibration
throughout the throttle range, watch the temp gauge like a hawk, and a
good few stop, starts during the trial, as well a good few forward
reverse shifts. After the test, drain the lower case oil completely
and check for water and debris. Also try to determine if the prop
pitch suites the boat during the trial.
Good Luck.
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