Does 1996 Merc 115 have a weak point?

[santa666]

I am considering buying a 1996 Merc 115 2 stroke with freshwater use only...<br /><br />Do the late 90's Merc straight 4 115 outbaords have a weak point or inherant bug? <br /><br />The powerhead appears to be unmolested, and compression tested high and even between the cylinders, like in the 120's...<br /><br />This motor has a new lower unit, the old one being replaced by the selling dealer due to water inside the old unit- Seals were compromised...<br /><br />I'm told this is a completely new lower unit, not the old one gone through...<br /><br />SO, is this motor a dog? Does it guzzle gas???

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Does 1996 Merc 115 have a weak point?

I'm not sure what year those engines incorporated a feature where they idle on two cylinders and once some throttle is applied all four kick in. Some folks like the feature, others don't and there is no inexpensive to get around the issue. Other than that they are good motors. As for fuel consumption on any engine, a very rough measure is to put a decimal point one position to the left in the HP rating. 115 HP = 11.5 gallons per hour at wide open throttle. If you consider that a gas guzzler, no outboard in that HP rating will meet your needs as thats how much fuel it takes to make that much horsepower. That's a rough figure and may actually be considerably more or a little less depending on the boat the engine is pushing.

 

[santa666]

Re: Does 1996 Merc 115 have a weak point?

Thanks, <br />I really NEED a reliable engine as I am to be trolling way offshore on the greatlakes... I will also have a 7.9 kicker to keep trolling hours off the main motor and to keep economy at a premium.<br /><br />I don't know if its a cylinder cuff-off engine, I kinda don't think so.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Does 1996 Merc 115 have a weak point?

This must be the 2+2 that I have seen discussed in this section, on this forum....think it was under the 115 hp question for a pontoon boat; currently in the lineup at or near the top.<br /><br />Said that overrevving could snap the crank. <br /><br />Just an FYI. Might check it out and get the author to elaborate.<br /><br />All I know.<br /><br />Mark

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Does 1996 Merc 115 have a weak point?

biggest weak link other than the stator was usually a loose nut behind the helm.<br />

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Does 1996 Merc 115 have a weak point?

My boat's had that problem for years too.<br /><br />-W

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Does 1996 Merc 115 have a weak point?

You guys are just too honest. Grin<br /><br />Mark

 

[santa666]

Re: Does 1996 Merc 115 have a weak point?

- Hmmm, Since I haven't heard anything in terms of a valid negative opinion I think I'll be signing up to get this motor...<br /><br />TEXASMARK, this is not the 2+2 as posted about from before. I do not know what a 2+2 is, or where in the forum its writen about...<br /><br />All wisecracks aside, It seems nobody knows much about these motors here...