89 Merc 150 xr4 is this a good motor?

[Smokin' J]

I'm thinking about updating my 115 inline to a 1989 150 xr4. Was this a good motor in it's day?, did these v6's have any know problem I should look for?, Any info would be a great help.

Thanks

 

[jebeebe]

Re: 89 Merc 150 xr4 is this a good motor?

Hi,
I had an 89 150 xr4 for about 12 years and had only to replace a head gasket that I can remember. Ran good and started good. The only difference between it and the reg 150, was the lower unit on the xr4 was smaller and slimmer and cut the water better, though not as rugged.
Like all large motors they loved gas. I took mine to ontario every year as long as I had it and ran it hammer down most of the time and it was good to me. Good luck...............................Jerry

 

[j_martin]

Re: 89 Merc 150 xr4 is this a good motor?

I have an 88 Xr4. Love it. 150 rating is real conservative. Little lower is slippery in the water. Keep up on the lower maintenance. It has little headroom for forgiveness, but will live forever if you take care of it.

John

 

[Smokin' J]

Re: 89 Merc 150 xr4 is this a good motor?

thanks for the info...Should I bypass the oil injection and premix?, how how reliable is the oil system?

 

[j_martin]

Re: 89 Merc 150 xr4 is this a good motor?

It's been suggested you pop off the pump and peek down the tube to inspecte the crank gear as part of your spring tune-up. They are very reliable below 6500 RPM, which is what you got.

BTW, this is a steel sleeved motor, meaning that it is infinitely rebuildable as long as you don't ventilate it. (put a rod out the side) If it's well maintained (no plugged fuel filter, carbs good, timing right, decent gas and oil, etc.)

I run PenZoil full synthetic in mine.

BTW, what are you hanging this thing on? The XR4 is close to twice the motor the 115 is. (prox 162 HP at shaft bone stock, 180 with minor mods compared to 100 for the 115)

 

[Smokin' J]

Re: 89 Merc 150 xr4 is this a good motor?

It's going on the back of a 19 foot Jcraft. It's a flat bottom Canadian made ski boat. 115 hp was under power for this boat. Some people are running 225hp. I'm not that crazy, I think 150 should be about right to pull a skier and still have some good top end when your buddys want to race.......

 

[j_martin]

Re: 89 Merc 150 xr4 is this a good motor?

It's going on the back of a 19 foot Jcraft. It's a flat bottom Canadian made ski boat. 115 hp was under power for this boat. Some people are running 225hp. I'm not that crazy, I think 150 should be about right to pull a skier and still have some good top end when your buddys want to race.......

You should be good. This one won't blow out till around 80. Should do around 60 on your boat.

John