1997 Aquasport 245 Osprey With Twin Mercury offshore 150 Engines Few Questions

[jws123]

I am possibly looking at a boat this weekend it is a 1997 aquasport 245 osprey with twin 2 stroke mercury offshore 150 hp engines. The boat is in decent shape been sitting for 3 years engines start the guy says. This would be my first time working on/owning a outboard. What i need to know is 1. What should the compression be? i plan to do a test. 2 I have never had luck with any 2 stroke engine ever they have always been a pain to get to run right. Are there any major flaws with this year engine?and what should I be looking for?. Overall what I am trying to find out is are these good engines? I am just trying to find out what I may be getting myself into. And of course I am sure it will need water pumps tune up carbs rebuilt ect from sitting.

 

[Chris1956]

Those motors are a very good design. Merc still uses the same basic design (60* V6, 2.5L) blocks today for their Optimax motors. Carbs are no longer used in the newer motors, due to EPA requirements.

That motor will have 3 two barrel carbs. Not terrible to work on, but you will have 6 idle mixture screws to set, after you clean and rebuild them. Not too hard, but will take some trial and error to get them to idle right.

Compression numbers are not available, however, if the cylinders are all within 15% of each other, the engine is considered good.

 

[QBhoy]

Over 100 psi for sure and likely over 110 on each would be healthy. As said. Within 10-15%.
good idea to be aware your gauge will likely be off a little too.

 

[jws123]

ok thanks guys sorry for the late reply lol i went to look at it and the hull had damage on bottom what a shame now i know for the next one appears to be a common motor.