Newbee Looking for some help!

gasman24

Cadet
Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Messages
13
I just bought a 1999 2 cycle 25/20 Mercury Jet outboard. Serial # 06807109 I don't even own a boat yet , as a matter of fact I have never owned a boat. I have alot of qeustions but I will keep it simple. What would you guys have spent on this? It is a 1999 and has been sitting for the last four years, what damage besided fuel issues could this have caused? Where can I download a owners manual? What should the engine compression be? I want a 14' extra wide flat bottom boat. Will any with a high transom work?
To give you more info the the motor looks brand new to the eye. The lower unit has some scratches but nothing beatup. The impeller ( if that is what it is called) looks straight and un touched. I pulled the plugs and the top one looked brand new, the bottom looked like it was running a bit hot. They where gapped at .030 but the motor specs called for a .040 gap. The plug was just a little white not like completely covered. I realize some lubing, carb work, plugs and filters are probably neccesary. But what else should be done? I am not the best mechanic, but with a little help can usually fix just about anything. Thanks Jason
 

bgbass.1

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 1, 2007
Messages
558
Re: Newbee Looking for some help!

Replace water pump after sitting that long they take a set and get brittle its cheap insurance. change lower end lube as will as the 2 plug gaskets. Ther is no set # for compression it should be 100 or better and both cyl. within 10%of each other.Also should do a decarb when you get motor running. Dont know anywhere you can download a manual you will need to purchase one. Good luck with your new adventure
 

gasman24

Cadet
Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Messages
13
Re: Newbee Looking for some help!

Thanks for the reply. Is the water pump something easy to replace? And just curious how much would you have paid for this motor. I was told I was very lucky to find a jet like this one.
 

rndn

Commander
Joined
May 20, 2007
Messages
2,323
Re: Newbee Looking for some help!

Welcome to the forum!! When you purchase a manual make sure you buy the OEM version and not an aftermarket as the OEM's are much more specific.
 
Joined
Jan 13, 2008
Messages
15
Re: Newbee Looking for some help!

Ha ha i think you mean the propeller? anyway i would check the electrical system. Check all the wires and connections and then check the plugs for a good spark. As you mentioned the carb.... I would clean it out. sitting like that is not good for them
 

gasman24

Cadet
Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Messages
13
Re: Newbee Looking for some help!

Sorry I thought since it was a jet motor, it was called a impeller. Any way thanks for all your help. I am still very curious to what you guys think this motor is worth it's a 2 stroke 25/20 jet mercury and looks great?
 
Joined
Jan 13, 2008
Messages
15
Re: Newbee Looking for some help!

no i am sorry, i didn't realize it was a jet. i could be wrong. it probably is called an impeller. shows you how much i know
 

longshanks

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2006
Messages
188
Re: Newbee Looking for some help!

gasman, you are correct. It's called an impeller. On an outboard jet, the impeller resembles an auger, that sucks water through the intake, and forces it out of the pump.

Here's a good reference site for you, on what is needed for maintenance:
http://www.scottandjenn.com/etomite/index.php?id=22

Regarding a boat for that motor, make sure you don't get one that's too heavy. Jets are very sensitive to weight; they don't like being overloaded. See www.outboardjets.com, and look at 'boat selection'. Very critical. I've run a Lowe 1448 Jonboat with that motor, and I'd consider it to be the largest boat I'd run with that motor. With 2-3 people in the boat, performance gets sluggish. Just great for 1 person though!

I am not certain what the motor might be worth. I believe they go for around $4500 here in Canada, new. I've seen used ones for as low as $1800, but they are more typically priced around $2500 - $3000.

Have fun with that thing, and operate it responsibly.

cheers
 

gasman24

Cadet
Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Messages
13
Re: Newbee Looking for some help!

That is good to know I paid 1,600 and wasn't sure how good of deal I got. I was pretty much decided on a 1448 Lowe or 1448 alumacraft modified V both riveted for less wieght . But last night at a local boat show I was told to look at a 16' because it would plane off better!!! News to me I would think lighter boat, better and faster ride. I am gonna go shopping this weekend and talk to some differant boat shops. Thanks again
 

longshanks

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2006
Messages
188
Re: Newbee Looking for some help!

gasman,

Sounds like a great deal you found!

I would be very reluctant to power a 16' hull with that motor, depending on the weight of the boat. The 1448 hull is more than enough to plane quickly, but the real concern is the amount of weight in the boat; jets are much more sensitive than props. I've operated 2 different 1448 rigs with 25/20 motors, and they both perform about the same. Very good with up to 2 people and gear, but any more weight than that, and they are very sluggish. I've also run 1648s with 40/30 jets, which seem to be a good combination as well.

Good luck with your shopping. These sort of rigs are very popular where I live. I owned a 1448 hull and a 30hp prop motor, and it was a great setup, very versatile. Would be even more so with the jet.

Shane
 
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