Buying -79 Mercury 80 hp, need info.

[Bjornis]

Hi!<br />I am probably going to buy a 80hp this weekend (probably -79). Need tips on what things I should check on it, common problems and so on.<br /><br />Also wondering about fuel milage on this model, to my knowledge mercury needs more fuel then other brands (especially 70s 20hp).<br /><br />Happy boating!<br />Bjornis

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Buying -79 Mercury 80 hp, need info.

Apart from things like waterpump,compression test, L/U oil , you may have some corroded wires running from the trigger and stator to the switchbox. Another common problem can be water leak under pressure from beneath the water cover (Around sparkplugs) usually can be patched with JB weld and later repaired by removal of the cover and gasket replacement.. (May req powerhead removal) Economy is around 10% HP per hr at WOT IN us Gallons (8 gall per hr at @ top speed)<br />They are a good old motor and there are many still running including my 1980 50

 

[Bjornis]

Re: Buying -79 Mercury 80 hp, need info.

Thanks Unicorn!<br /><br />Sounds like ordinary mercury stuff from that period, nothing special about this enginge if I get you correctly.<br /><br />/Bjornis

 

[SeaHorse]

Re: Buying -79 Mercury 80 hp, need info.

Be careful. There's a guy on Ebay that keeps selling "198x" motors but are really from the late 60's or early 70's. Even when I tell him, he refuses to post the updated information to the unwitting buyers.

 

[Bjornis]

Re: Buying -79 Mercury 80 hp, need info.

Well, I'm buying mine in Sweden so that wont be a problem. Will be able to check before i decide. <br /><br />Thanks for the warning anyway.<br /><br />/Bjornis