Re: 1978 9.8hp mercury ?
They're good motors, and have really nice power and top end speed for a 10hp motor. Very smooth running and gets through aquatic vegetation good. I also like the slip clutch in the prop. The only complaints I would have about it is that if it's even slightly out of tune, it can be hard to start cold, it has a couple of electrical parts that are darned expensive, and the cooling system can be tricky to get functioning properly although the system itself is very simple and similar to other motors.
Parts can be found for it fairly easily, used parts very easily. If you don't mind stating the price, I'd be interested in knowing how much a dealer is wanting for it and if they're giving any warranty.
I own a '72 merc 9.8 which is VERY similar to the '78 model. The '78 model has a stainless driveshaft which is what you DO want on this motor.
I love my '72 9.8hp merc. (although I'm pretty much an OMC fanatic
)
If the "pee" stream isn't a straight, constant, hard line on idle, then the cooling system ain't up to snuff.
JMO,
JBJ
