1998 merc 115

[Jcris]

Hello,
I'm thinking of buying a boat with this motor. It's a 2 stroke and fuel injected.. It has not been used for 2 years . Only 20 hours , supposedly, on it in last 5 years. I'm a decent automotive mechanic but don't know outboards. I think I should try and start it using my truck battery just to see how it cranks and if it will turnover. Sitting that long without being winterized probably created fuel system issues. I would be the third owner and the seller doesn't know total hours. Is this worth taking a chance on? The seller wants $3k for the boat , 94' Starcraft 18' fiberglass, trailer and this motor. What do you think?
Sure appreciate this forum,
Jcris

 

[racerone]

fuel injected or oil injected ?

 

[SkiDad]

i would check compression in each cylinder. Then make sure you start it on a hose if possible. If you can't start on a hose or large tub don't let it run for more than 10-15 seconds as it would start to get too hot.

I'm not sure 5 years would hurt fuel wise but I could be wrong.

 

[flyingscott]

If that motor is the 4 cylinder 2 strk you need to have it looked at. The reason being if it is the 4 cylinder carb it's a 2+2 motor. It idles on the top 2 cylinders and the other 2 kick in at 1800 RPM that all needs to be checked out. That set-up is controlled by the carbs so all 4 plugs will fire all the time. The bottom 2 carbs have no idle circuits in them so a cylinder drop test is tough. Don't be afraid of buying it if everything checks out they are a really good motor.

 

[Jcris]

It's supposedly fuel injected. But I haven't seen it yet. Did Mercury make fuel injected motors in 1998?

 

[flyingscott]

You will need a serial# the only 115 I know of in 1998 for mercury is the oil injected 2 strk 2+2 motor. I could be wrong

 

[Jcris]

I think you're correct. The seller hasn't responded since I pointed out his motor was a 2 stroke. I asked for a serial number and again no response .
I'll pass on this deal. Thanks guys for the insight
Thanks
Jcris