Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

[Jake's Dad]

There is a Mercury 110, 9.8 HP motor that looks in pretty good shape at a local shop. The serial number is 4605918. Does anyone know what year this is OB is? The best price he would give me is $400. It was reduced from $500. Anyway, it has a "shift" position on the throttle, and I'm wondering why an OB has a shifter on it? Don't you just give it throttle and it goes? Anyway, I need your advice on the purchase. Should I go for it?<br /><br />Thanks All!<br /><br />Jake's Dad

 

[socalboataddict]

Re: Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

an outboard motor usually has a shifter for foward, neutral [starting position] and reverse....is this what you saw on the outboard? <br /><br />regards<br /><br />JC

 

[Jake's Dad]

Re: Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

There is a lever that you use to shift into F,R, and N. But on the handle itself there is a position for "Shift". <br /><br />Do you think $400 is a fair price? Obviously, I am new to using a tiller. In the past I have used the console!<br /><br />Thanks-<br /><br />JD

 

[Jake's Dad]

Re: Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

I just did some research and it's a 1977. All things being generalized, I was told that it runs great. It's for a 14' foot jon boat conversion. I am still curious about the quality and what you all think about the price.<br /><br />Any comments are greatly appreciated!<br /><br />Jake's Dad

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

If you can, there's three basic things you can check - or you might ask the shop to check them for you. How it starts and idles, the compression and the lower unit oil (after it runs in the water for a while). If you can actually run it in the water on a boat, of course you'd check to see how it runs up to full throttle. If it runs well, has good compression and doesn't show signs of leaking water into the lower unit, it is well worth $400, in my opinion.

 

[Jake's Dad]

Re: Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

That's good info - thank you. Does this motor have a good reputation? I have heard different stories about it on the internet.

 

[Jake's Dad]

Re: Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

Just so everyone knows, I have had this motor for two years now and it is still running great.

Jake's Dad

 

[achris]

Re: Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

Worked out what the 'shift' position on the throttle means yet?

Chris.........

 

[hunterope]

Re: Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

SHIFT POSITION on the throttle.. Guys. I have the same motor. The shift position is for bringing the RPMS down to an acceptable level in order to shift from Forward/N/Rev. This is to prevent you from tearring up the drive. I've had mine for about a year and mine is an older unit then yours. Mine's running great (knock wood). Keep the lower unit oil changed and replace the impeller each year and it should run for a long long time.

 

[Jake's Dad]

Re: Mercury 110, 9.8 HELP!!

Yeah, gang...I figured out how to shift it into gear by now. Lol. Can't wait for another summer with it! What a good investment this motor was.