Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

[73psd]

Hi Fellows<br />I am looking at a boat with a 200 hp Merc. '83<br />Owner says good compres. but rattles i.e. like a bearing is bad.<br />Is this somthing that is fixable (low cost)?<br />Or would I have a buy a rebuilt powerhead? $$$<br /><br />I can not afford a new boat or motor, that why I am looking at used.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Marc

 

[Hooty]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

Tuff question Marc.<br />Outboard engines, as a rule, aren't bearing eaters. Bearings do go bad but not very often. I'd check the compression myself and see if you've got a piston rattlin' around.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[73psd]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

Thanks<br />I am not to smart on these.<br />What would a rattling piston tell me?<br /><br />Marc

 

[alcan]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

73psd<br /> Hi Marc, If your looking to buy a used rig (boat,motor and trailer. Then I would suggest looking at stuff that the previous owner took pride in. Remember were talking used, not worn out. Outboards are fairly expencive to repair for most folks. Unless your buying junk at junk prices and you know what your doing, I'd stay clear of any good deals that rattle or hiss. They might bite you. Spend a few more bucks and take a little more time, buy yourself a nice clean good running rig. This will be the least expencive way to go.

 

[73psd]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

Thanks Guys<br /><br />The more I read about o/b's, the more I think I'd better stick to looking for somthing else.<br />I have a limited budget an limited smarts.<br /><br />I may read myself right out of a boat.<br /><br />Thanks again<br />Merry Christmas to all<br /><br />Marc

 

[Solittle]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

When you get real serious about a rig it would be prudent to hire your own mechanic to check it over and give you a run down unless you have the knowledge and experience yourself. The folks on this board will give you the best advice possible. Remember though that we are giving our impressions based only on a couple of sentences that you write. Nothing beats a couple of eyeballs and a few tests with the hardware.

 

[jasonnb]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

Outboards can be great or junk. A properly maintained, well made ob will last many, many years. I have a '76 Johnson V4 that has been bulletproof. A $30 water pump every couple years and proper winter storage is all it needs. I also have a V8 sterndrive. Love it too, but it is a strange beast. The engine is a simple Ford 302, but the outdrive is a bit different. Bottom line is that both have good/bad points. I prefer the ob for most uses. There's still a lot of older ob's chugging along with no problems. If you have any mechanical inclination, you can quickly pick up on the basic points of each. My experience is that the ob usually requires less maintenance.

 

[73psd]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

Thanks<br />I had planned on taking any boat I find, to a o/b mech. but they charge $100-$200. <br /><br />So what do you think the "rattle" in the engine might be? <br /><br />I like this boat but I can walk away.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Jim@KSC]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

73psd -<br /><br />You may have found a good deal, but that fact never came out.<br /><br />The first thing to check is compression. A guage costs around $20 and is good insurance.<br /><br />The rattle could be anything, including the lower unit.<br /><br />Drain the oil. If milky, white, or has large metallic chips, expect trouble.<br /><br />Look around this board and you'll find 40 year old engines, running strong. Can you say the same about Chevrolet?<br /><br />Good luck and Merry Christmas!

 

[73psd]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

Thanks Jim@KSC <br /><br />That is the kind of info I wanted.<br />It is something I can do before I take it to someone.<br /><br />Merry Christmas

 

[alcan]

Re: Mercury '83 200hp how hard to fix?

Hi 73<br />Solittle gives good advice and as Jim says you may very well have found a good deal. We realy don't know. But a couple of hunderd used for a mechanical inspection is money well spent. Now my question is, why would a guy sell a motor that had an obvious rattle? Why would he not take it in and have it repaired? Kind of makes me wonder what else he neglected to repair or service. No need to talk your self out of a boat. Just make an educated purchess.