evinrude vs. mercury( which is easier to work on)

[merkdawg]

hey guys. Someone in my area has a 1976 mercury 7.5 for sale 100.00. I've only worked on the older evinrudes like 57, 58 7.5s and I have on my boat a 6 h.p. 1973. Are the mercs any more difficult to work on? Special tools and such. Does that year have points or electronic ignition? Thx

 

[Crosbyman]

Re: evinrude vs. mercury( which is easier to work on)

I have had and done basic maintenance a 50hp, one Classic 45. a 9.8 now a 3.9 (mostly carbs and impellers only)

worked a few Evindure/johnson oldies a QD 10HP (54) a FD 15hp, a 4w71 (4hp) a 4w76, a jw20 (3hp) (carbs, electrical, impellers)

Never done gear boxes or pulled powerheads on either brands
Never done electrical work on Mercs, worked on OMC,s

verdict...OMC,s are easier IMHO parts easier to find ans cheaper

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: evinrude vs. mercury( which is easier to work on)

I work on both and lean more to the dark side!!!!

 

[kodibass]

Re: evinrude vs. mercury( which is easier to work on)

Older Merc,s seem no more difficult to work on than older Omc motors, but there is no doubt that parts are more plentiful for Omc than the Merc's. and cost less ...IMHO.

 

[lindy46]

Re: evinrude vs. mercury( which is easier to work on)

Johnnyrudes can be worked on with mostly standard tools found in your toolbox. Mercs on the other hand, can require special tools which can get costly. For example, I have a 1961 45hp Merc and I had to purchase a special wrench ($30) just to remove the impeller housing to change out the impeller. I believe a similar tool is needed to remove the propshaft bushing and seal. I seem to remember the carbs were more difficult to remove and rebuild also. So no more Mercs for me. At this point in life, I'll go the easier route.

 

[dkonrai]

Re: evinrude vs. mercury( which is easier to work on)

mercs have more power in the upper rpms. merc parts are more expensive, and harder to find. as for working on the motor, mercs are about the same vs johnnyrudes.
i have worked on both, and i find that overall johnnyrudes are easier and parts are a dime a dozen.
imho go for the johnnyrude
dino

 

[boobie]

Re: evinrude vs. mercury( which is easier to work on)

I've also worked on both and I'll stick with the OMC mtrs. Especially when it comes to the older ones.

 

[merkdawg]

Re: evinrude vs. mercury( which is easier to work on)

Enough said. I'll pass on the Merc and stick with the OMC motors. Thanks for the input.

 

[JB]

Re: evinrude vs. mercury( which is easier to work on)

The small OMC engines were made to order for DIY wrenches and parts were always easy to find. They get my vote.

The small Mercs might be easy to work on also, but I have no experience with them.