Re: 9.8 hp update: good compression, worth repairing?
Once you start getting into ignition parts, you might be a little surprised, but it still might be worth while. Two that I've priced recently for my '74 9.8 are the ignition coils (1 per cylinder on mine) and the "switch box". The ignition coils can be between US$30 - 60 each, depending on the type yours takes and the switch box can be as much as I think $225 new. These things are often available used from reputable dealers also. I don't know about the price of ignition parts under the flywheel, or if they're available, because I haven't had to mess with that.<br /><br />Another thing you might want to check out is the overall condition of the drive shaft and, if you can, the lower unit. I don't know if they changed the drive shaft material between '74 and '77, but I've been having a little problem with corrosion on my drive shaft making it difficult to get a seal - resulting in a little bit of a water issue in the lower unit. This was not obvious/evident when I ran the motor (in a tank) and look-see when I bought it. Fresh lower unit lube hid the water intrusion, but it appeared the first time I ran it trolling for a day. It's not a killer for me because I don't really use the kicker that much and can deal with changing the lower unit lube when it needs it (no big deal really), but it might be a factor for you. Plus we've improved the situation quite a bit by smooting out the corrosion and putting on a new seal. Good luck.
