Re: Mercury XR4 150
I have a 88 XR4 on an 88 18' Tracker boat. The Tracker was the Precursor to the Nitro series. That's about a 60 MPH combo, set for fishing. Would probably do over 70 if you left the batteries and fishing gear ashore and set it up high enough to get squirrely.
It is a 2.4L, vertical reed powerhead on a 4 in lower. It actually produced over 160 HP right out of the crate. It is about the max that a certified 150 could be. Very popular with the bass crowd, as it pushed the outside of the 150 horse limit of it's time.
I suspect that engine is a bit older than '95 , or modified. Could be a crap shoot. The 2.0, 2.4, and 2.5 L power heads will all bolt up to either size lower units.
pros:
It is a torque producing beast that has a neck snappinghole shot with a high five prop on it. The little lower makes it a bit faster than the newer XR engines with the larger lower unit.
It runs well in the 5800 rpm range, and if in good tune will idle for awhile also.
Props can be hard to find that can handle that HP in the smaller LU size.
Cons:
Be sure it gets enough fuel, or kiss pistons goodby. The stock thumb sized fuel filter is junk. Discard it and put in a Racor fuel filter/water seperator. Hoses, primer bulb, and the bayonet connector are all critical, where they wouldn't be on a lower HP V6. It's a big one, but hooks up like the little ones.
Keep the LU well maintained. Any thing wrong and it'll put the pinion out the side in a heartbeat. It's a little small for the engine size, but performs like a champ when it's in good shape.
Many good used parts are available. Shouldn't cost much to keep up.
It's not a new motor design. It will use fuel by the bucket, but so will any similar aged motor.
hope it helps
John
