1985 classic fifty 45hp for 200 worth it?

[dkonrai]

i just got a 85 classic fiftey, 45hp merc for 200. motor is clean always stored inside, never in salt water. came with trim and tilt, prop, complete even clean (will take some picts later).
story is that he couldnt get the lower unit off to change the impeller, and got a really good deal on a etec60hp. sold the boat that the motor came off. its really clean except where he kinda broke some of the fins off the housing trying to pry the lower unit off.
came with a brand new merc water pump and impeller too. typical claim that it ran fine. there isnt any signs of overheating and the motor wasent seized.
i know i should have tested the compression but i didnt bring my gauge or a battery.
now i can get rid of my 72 40hp, and put this baby on woohoo.
mechanic wants 400 to swap out motors, is this a fair price?
thanks
dino

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1985 classic fifty 45hp for 200 worth it?

If you need a mechanic to swap out a 40hp merc for a 45hp merc, I would not buy the 45hp. It sounds like if the classic 50 has problems that you will need a mechanic to fix it. I don't think it's ever wise to buy a 30 year old motor if you can't work on it yourself. You'll likely rack up enough mechanic bills to make it not worth it. As you already know, they all ran great the last time they were used......hence the need for the new etec for a huge price. I've rarely seen a used motor that didn't need some work.
Then again, if you can work on it $200 is not bad. I would just be worried that it had been overheated...
JBJ

 

[dkonrai]

Re: 1985 classic fifty 45hp for 200 worth it?

If you need a mechanic to swap out a 40hp merc for a 45hp merc, I would not buy the 45hp. It sounds like if the classic 50 has problems that you will need a mechanic to fix it. I don't think it's ever wise to buy a 30 year old motor if you can't work on it yourself. You'll likely rack up enough mechanic bills to make it not worth it. As you already know, they all ran great the last time they were used......hence the need for the new etec for a huge price. I've rarely seen a used motor that didn't need some work.
Then again, if you can work on it $200 is not bad. I would just be worried that it had been overheated...
JBJ

that was the good thing, i cant see any signs of overheating anywhere, let alone signs that the motor was run hard or for many hours. i have this old 4hp motor that after only three years is showing more signs of wear than this merc. im hoping for the best.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1985 classic fifty 45hp for 200 worth it?

Sounds like a good deal.
Just wonder why the lower won't come off???
It's possible it hit something and twisted the top of the drive shaft and it might NEVER come loose.
Get the lower off before you change.

 

[mr 88]

Re: 1985 classic fifty 45hp for 200 worth it?

The tilt n trim is worth 200 all day long.400 for a swap is way too much in my world.That is a job that you should be able to do in a couple hours.What make is your present engine?There are some tricks to dropping the leg,cross that bridge when you have ownership.I would not worry about the age,most of these babies run better and are more reliable than the newer electronic POS,just my opinion.