1998 Mariner info please

[Keven]

I am looking at buying a boat with a 1998 Mariner Saltwater engine. I don't know a thing about them as I have only run Johnson's and Yamaha's. Can anyone give me some feed back on what this engine is, reliablity issues and anything to "look for" before buying this setup ?<br /><br />Thank you !!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1998 Mariner info please

Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />What horsepower, EFI or carbed? Merc's Saltwater Series V-6's are generally good motors. Some specific models have some quirks. For example...175 EFIs idle absolutely awfully! You can send the computer to RAPAIR and they can reprogram it for major improvement.

 

[Keven]

Re: 1998 Mariner info please

Willy,<br />It's a Mariner 150 Saltwater series with carbs. I took it for a spin Sunday, seemed to run great, Idled well. I noticed the water was spitting out the discharge when it was just started cold for a while then it maintained a constant stream. The water temp was hand tolerable 115-120f. I noticed It shifts loudly in and out of gear, forward and reverse. Probably something I need to get used to. I ran it up to 5600 rpm for a few miles, it seemed to like a cruising speed around 3900 rpm to 4100 rpm. Would you know what kind of gas consumption I should expect ? I have it on a 19' Robalo. Thanks a bunch for your reply...Keven