1986 Mariner 20hp

[bbstacker1]

I have the option to buy ($300 in nice condtion) a 1986, 20hp, Mariner engine. I am not really very familar with the Mercury/Mariner line, so other than the normal things you check out in a used motor (compression, fire, proper funtioning of gears, etc) is there anything with this series of engines that I should be leary of or watch out for?

 

[Barramundi NQ]

Check the water pump. How much water comes out of the tell tale, and how warm it is.

 

[bbstacker1]

An impeller change would be one of my first orders of business (I do that on any engine, I am not personally familar with). I guess I am wondering more about electronic ignition, gears or powerhead issues.

 

[Mi duckdown]

would check the lower end for intrusion