40 HP Merc Input Needed

[OCSportsman]

What are your thoughts? Here is the posted info with my questions and sellers reply.

Early 90's 40HP Mercury 2-Stroke tiller with power tilt/trim, electric start, tiller, with precision blend oil mixing. Motor is equipped with a bay kit so it can fit a 20 or 25 inch transom. Motor runs good but is not perfect.

-I would like more info on your motor. What are the issues it has? Does it have good compression? Pump water nicely? I am looking for a 25-40 hp for my 15ft Sylvan Yukon.
Thanks,
Daryn

Motor runs good but does have a couple of problems, compression on the #2 cylinder is slightly lower then I would like to see it at 85-90PSI, 1 and 3 are at 105PSI. More then likely a head gasket will need to be changed at some time in the future. Personally I would just run it as it is. Housing for the power tilt and trim assembly is cracked, everything is completely functional and just strictly cosmetic.

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[Philbosaurusrex]

Re: 40 HP Merc Input Needed

The lower compression on #2 cyl would be a big turn off for me. It's possible that he did a compression test after the motor had sat for a while and a ring is stuck. How much is the seller asking for?

 

[OCSportsman]

Re: 40 HP Merc Input Needed

I was concerned some too, I think i'll move on. He wants $1000

 

[brandon110]

Re: 40 HP Merc Input Needed

BUY IT!!! those are great motors. A compression test needs to be done on a warm motor with all plugs removed and WOT. also sometimes the rings dont seat well because of carbon build up. Power tune fixes this. i know new motor in a can yeah right wont fix it. it does in certian situations. however i bet this motor falls into the red stator kit limbo. ask him if the stator is red or black. if its red thats real good the power trim issue from what it sounds like i have seen this before on the motor housing it is just cosmetic as long as its not all the way threw it the system still works more then likely its ok. where as the guy knows its not prefect use that to your advantage and talk him down i bet you get a good deal and with a little work she will be a nice find.

 

[aussieflash]

Re: 40 HP Merc Input Needed

This one dont sound so great,and 80-90 psi usualy means 80.It could just be this,or only that,or spray some of that.
If you cant touch it or test it yourself....Dont buy it.

 

[brandon110]

Re: 40 HP Merc Input Needed

I do agree with aussieflash i wouldnt buy this one if you cant see it yourself or test yourself. going on this guys word and pics may get you something you dont want. But i still think it would be something to consider.

 

[OCSportsman]

Re: 40 HP Merc Input Needed

After a few emails I have found out it is a dealer selling the motor. If compression is an issue and they aren't/can't correct it I think of 2 things, they dont have very good mechanics in their shop or their is more to it than he is saying. I have found a 2000 25 HP Merc with electric start, power trim, charging unit etc... for $1200 i'm looking at friday.

 

[M9.9]

Re: 40 HP Merc Input Needed

Hi all, If it were me looking for a used outboard engine, I would never-ever buy a motor with any compression variance outside of ten pounds or under 100, regardless of 'carbon deposits'. Wet, Dry, Hot compression tests varience outside the 10 lb range between cycl it doesn't matter, I would not buy it. Unless I planned to spend capital on a rebuild before using it.