It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

[calvinator]

I have a 1978 135 POT in my sights to repower my pontoon. GOOD condition, runs on the hose, compression 120-115.

I like the price ---- $800
I like the power ----
I like the looks ----
I like the old skool'ness of them.
Their reputation is great.
I have simple needs -- just bolt this on my pontoon and use it 10-12 times a year. Give it good gas, care for it.

I've been doing a lot of research, but a lot of forum info is becoming several years old and dated.

My question is are parts still around ? I'm sure the consumable stuff is, plugs, wires, impellers, etc. If the power head goes, probably not worth any repairs.

But what about carb rebuild kits, ignition parts, water pumps, tilt parts etc. Are these parts becoming hard to find ? I wouldn't want to do some maintenance on the motor and waste half the summer searching/ebaying for parts.

I'm up for a little hassle, not a lot !

Thanks !

 

[Lone Duck]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Heh Heh! It's called a Tower of Power. But yes pretty much all you mentioned is available . But not sure about the tilt parts. But there are add on ones you could use, CMC marine comes to mind ,they build jack plates and tilt & trim units.

 

[DirtyOldBoat]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

I've been finding parts are EASIER to find then when I was rebuilding one 10 years ago. CDI has started making all the electronic/ignition parts that were getting hard to find. New water pumps are still being made. The trim system can be completely rebuilt and I'm pretty sure the Mercury dealer still sells the kit. There's always a ton of used parts for these on ebay too. Even complete powerheads pop up for under $500.

I'm putting together a 1500 with almost entirely new parts, and I expect it to be just as reliable as a new motor. Maybe even more reliable, without all the sensors and emissions equipment...

 

[emckelvy]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Calv, Merc never made a 135hp inline six in 1978. Maybe it's an older 1350 ('70-'71) or somehow mis-marked/mis-decaled??

Regardless, great engine, one of the all-time favorites and the price is right!. A little thirsty but you can buy a lot of fuel for the cost of a new one!

Maybe you could post a pic or 2 and check the serial number and we might be able to figure out what it really is......ed

 

[calvinator]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Here are some cell phone shots. I haven't inspected the motor yet so I don't have the SN info. Guy says I can run it in a bucket and do a compression test, so that is a good sign. Claims it is a 1978 135HP, but that is his claim.hahaha

 

[DirtyOldBoat]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Thats a pre 73 cowl but the distributor looks like a 73 and up. You'll need the serial from the block to know what it really is.

 

[BonairII]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Just a reminder....the TOP is 135hp at the crank NOT the prop. That may not be a big deal to you, though.

 

[calvinator]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Just a reminder....the TOP is 135hp at the crank NOT the prop. That may not be a big deal to you, though.

Thx - yes, I know at some years HP ratings were at the prop.

I figure 135HP - 20% gearing loss = 108HP. That is the HP range I'm going after.

Bummer too, because I looked at a perfect running 1978 Merc 900 -- 90HP flywheel I believe. 90HP - 20% = 72HP. Not much more than my 60 HP I have now. If I'm going to do this motor swap, I really only want to do it once, and get the right motor.

Thanks again for the insight

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Not trying to kick dust, but in an earlier post you said your toon is rated at 125 max hp. Whether the 1350 TOP is rated 135 hp at the crank or prop makes no difference. If the water police want to be picky with you, you're over powered. Your choice.

 

[BonairII]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Not trying to kick dust, but in an earlier post you said your toon is rated at 125 max hp. Whether the 1350 TOP is rated 135 hp at the crank or prop makes no difference. If the water police want to be picky with you, you're over powered. Your choice.

Out of curiosity......has ANYONE ever seen/heard of a person being ticketed for being overpowered?

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Out of curiosity......has ANYONE ever seen/heard of a person being ticketed for being overpowered?

Honestly, I never have. I read a little more in the OPs other thread. He's knows it would be over powered and was also looking at a 150. He's not concerned so I'm not either.

 

[wired247]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Out of curiosity......has ANYONE ever seen/heard of a person being ticketed for being overpowered?

Never. I used to worry about it a bit when I had a souped up 260 on the back of my 125 rated boat but even boating "in the city" no one ever said a word. Now that I have a 105 Mercury on there I sleep much better at night. Of course its actually a 150+ HP powerhead on a 105 jet marked mid section and prop lower but I still sleep good.

As far as the TOP goes for $800 you won't find a more modern motor so use it while it lasts and be happy.

 

[DirtyOldBoat]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Being overpowered is simply not something the water police check. It is not illegal. It's kinda like lifting your truck and putting on giant tires that aren't approved by the manufacturer. They can't recommend it but nobody can stop you either....

 

[wired247]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Being overpowered is simply not something the water police check. It is not illegal. It's kinda like lifting your truck and putting on giant tires that aren't approved by the manufacturer. They can't recommend it but nobody can stop you either....

Its more of a problem if you get into an accident and someone gets injured or there is property damage and it is your fault. Overpowering a boat will have your insurance company disavowing your very existence.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Easy enough to get a red "1150" cowling, faceplate, and "horseshoe" under-cowling. Or purchase a set of new repro "1150" decals, if the "displayed" HP rating is a concern.

The powerhead and components shown (including the distributor) certainly match up with a '70-71 1350 which is a very willing motor, and I'd say more than up to the task of pushing around your pontoon!

 

[calvinator]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Thanks all for the info and the research pointers. This looks like a 1970 or 1971 1350 Merc. I'll look at the motor tomorrow. See what happens. Have low expectations.... the motor is still on the boat, hasn't run in 2 years (which means 5). I told the guy he needs to get it running and I'll compression check if he wants $700-800 for it. Anything less, it is a $200 project.

Thanks all for the over-powering concern. I'm OK with it. I'm pushing this 29' pontoon:

I need the 100HP to get it moving in the right direction, not for WOT runs !

Thanks -

 

[DirtyOldBoat]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

I told the guy he needs to get it running and I'll compression check if he wants $700-800 for it. Anything less, it is a $200 project.

Here's one of the things I love about these motors: even seized up you're looking at over $1000 in parts on ebay. It's hard to lose your investment.

 

[brnschoneck]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

y i can say i have a 65 kf 650 and love it ...havent done a rebuild on it yet thinking this winter ???however it runs like a champ so no reason to yet ??? i will never go wiht anything else but these older mercs affordable ,fairly easy to work on , have a good name for themselves , still have parts available" some harder to find than others " !!! you cant go wrong !!!

 

[wired247]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Thanks all for the info and the research pointers. This looks like a 1970 or 1971 1350 Merc. I'll look at the motor tomorrow. See what happens. Have low expectations.... the motor is still on the boat, hasn't run in 2 years (which means 5). I told the guy he needs to get it running and I'll compression check if he wants $700-800 for it. Anything less, it is a $200 project.

Thanks all for the over-powering concern. I'm OK with it. I'm pushing this 29' pontoon:


I need the 100HP to get it moving in the right direction, not for WOT runs !

Thanks -

The guy who bought my old 225HP 3.0 liter put it on one just like that. Dont feel like just because you have the power that you have to use all of it.

 

[calvinator]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

I have a 1978 135 TOP in my sights to repower my pontoon. GOOD condition, runs on the hose, compression 120-115.

UPDATE, and venting ! I wasted 4 hours of my life today looking at this motor.

Compression:
Cyl1 - 120
Cyl2 - 120
Cyl3 - 118
Cyl4 - 120
Cyl5 - 90
Cyl6 - 120

All the control wires were shot too.
Telltale was all clogged. I didn't check, but I knew the impeller was shot too.

Bummer, this engine looked real good too. Looked very original. Everything inside was nice and clean. Wires were clean and not all chewed up.

But, it was neglected somewhere a long the line and Cyl5 was shot.

Darn it.... The search continues !