40 hp merc

[Jontoon27]

Looking at getting a 1980 2 cylinder 40 hp mercury. First off is there and reasonable priced parts to convert to tiller, and second I like the fact it's a 2 cyl with one carb, seems like less to go wrong. Anyone have input on the reliability of these?

 

[Mercurylips]

You need to be one of three things and more! Fearless, brainless, or mechanically inclined. OK....lucky would be good, too. They are notorious for having terrible wiring insulation from that era and all things wiring related are expensive to replace. If you can trust that the motor has been upgraded by the PO, then go for it. I would prefer to get an old Evinrude when my old Merc is kaput. As for conversion, there is not much to find out there so I would say buy a tiller to begin with.

 

[Jontoon27]

Here's the thing, I won a pistol and a couple hundred cash on a raffle at work. I already own the same one and my co worker wants to give me this motor and cash for the gun. The motor is very clean, fires right up and has a lot of new parts. I would prefer a tiller but if I go for this deal I will basically pocket $400 and have a motor for the boat I just got even if I have to build a console.