merc 165 inline 6. About to buy..should i ?

[73 Dolphin]

Looking at a boat that was "ran just last year" it has a 1973 merc 165 inline 6.
When he removed the engine cover and air filter the carb was full of water. He then promptly hit the throttle and after a bit of messing managed to dump the water into the carb throat !

He connected as battery and tried to crank it - of course nothing - starter tried but engine would not budge. I had no premix on me so suggested he removed the plugs and spray some WD40 in the cylinder and let it sit a while then try again in an attempt to crank and expel the water. Still nothing.

I got him to spray a fair amount of WD40 in and replace plugs. Figure we'll try again tomorrow.

So the question is, should I turn and run or keep at it with this motor? He said his dad will be over tomorrow to get it going. He apparently had for 20 years before his son. If I get there and it's purring like a kitten then I will buy it, but what should I look for other than good even compression?

Any thoughts? Thanks !

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: merc 165 inline 6. About to buy..should i ?

starter couldnt turn the motor over with plugs out?


RUN

I hope his dad comes over tomorrow and SMACKS him upside his head!

 

[73 Dolphin]

Re: merc 165 inline 6. About to buy..should i ?

cranked about half a turn eventually. then no more. didn't over try it.

 

[73 Dolphin]

Re: merc 165 inline 6. About to buy..should i ?

LOL. Just noticed the rest of your reply - no hope then at this point ?
Just run and don't look back?

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: merc 165 inline 6. About to buy..should i ?

LOL. Just noticed the rest of your reply - no hope then at this point ?
Just run and don't look back?

Theres always hope until shes sitting on the Gulf floor..lol
Who knows...some frozen motors have come back to life...but usually kicking and screaming

But really it comes down to..

How much is he asking for this project boat, and it is a project..
How much beyond "X" are you willing to put into her..
We know shes been left out in the rain...how long? Floor soft? transom soft?

Maybe dad can get her to turn..I kinda doubt it overnight..

The 165 is a great motor, wish I had one in my boat, I just like em!
Dont like em with water IN them, tho..
There are LOTS of boats here in FL at decent $$$..sometimes waiting a few days or a week can put you way ahead in the long run when that perfect water ready boat comes along!

 

[73 Dolphin]

Re: merc 165 inline 6. About to buy..should i ?

the boat would have been a good buy if the motor was running as stated - just needed new alpha one and good to go............... then the real story.

I'm still tempted to buy her if when i go back she's purring like a kitten, but really - that's not likely to happen , is it !

 

[rodbolt]

Re: merc 165 inline 6. About to buy..should i ?

buy it, buy it NOW.
your local techs and parts folks need new shoes.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: merc 165 inline 6. About to buy..should i ?

the boat would have been a good buy if the motor was running as stated - just needed new alpha one and good to go............... then the real story.

I'm still tempted to buy her if when i go back she's purring like a kitten, but really - that's not likely to happen , is it !

She needs a NEW OUTDRIVE??? Oh no Jock-amo!

New SEI OD here on iboats run you $1,300..or take your chances used..and have iboats saved to your favorites for lots of HOW DO I questions...