1998 Merc 150HP Question.

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cbercaw

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jun 15, 2008
Messages
114
I am looking at a 19' maxum with a nice, clean looking 1998 merc 150 outboard on it for a cool 3000$ (serial num d6665104) . Can anyone tell me if this engine has a reliable history/is it hard to service/ and are there any tests i can do to detect if this motor has been effected by ethanol? Should I be concerned since the price seems too good to be true? i guess we are in a recession..lol.Thank you, Chris
 
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Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,102
Re: 1998 Merc 150HP Question.

The price is indeed good. The motor is a standard design and very successful. It should be a 2.5L V6.

Tests are compression (should be 100+PSI and all very even), and lower unit oil(oil should be clear brown or green, not milky). if those two tests are OK, and it runs on muffs, you are likely OK, Test the PTT system as well.
 
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Thoroughbred

Seaman Apprentice
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Sep 9, 2008
Messages
45
Re: 1998 Merc 150HP Question.

I have a 1997 Merc 150 Offshore and it is a nice motor. Had some small issues but nothing someone here hasn't been able to help me with :)

As for ethanol I haven't had to put it in the boat yet because the marina I launch out of has a supplier of non-ethanol. I still add Startron to it just in case and if you are putting ethanol in it make sure you use it too.
 
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Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
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Messages
28,102
Re: 1998 Merc 150HP Question.

Ethanol is not an issue, provided your fuel tank is free of water and dirt. That motor is made to run on up to 10% ethanol. The fuel lines should be alcohol resistant. if the tank has dirt in it, the alcohol may loosen it up and clog the fuel filter. You will need to change it. if the tank has water, it is best to siphon it out and dispose of it. The alcohol and water will mix and burn like crap. In addition if you premix oil and gas, the oil will not mix with the alcohol and water. This can cause issues with lubrication.

I do not believe in Startron. I am simply unconvinced of their claims. It probably does no harm, however.
 
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cbercaw

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jun 15, 2008
Messages
114
Re: 1998 Merc 150HP Question.

Thank you for your help and advice.
 
C

cbercaw

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 15, 2008
Messages
114
Re: 1998 Merc 150HP Question.

At 3,000 dollars, is this 1998 engine worth purchasing and putting on another boat? The floor of the one it is on has some soft spots.
 
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Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,102
Re: 1998 Merc 150HP Question.

You might check NADA, however, I think the $3K is a reasonable price for the motor. Try to get him to sell just the motor and controls, oil tank and hoses and wiring.

Alterntively, if you like the boat (1997??), it is probably worth fixing up.
 
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