Motor question

[mphy98]

I tried this on the mercury section and did not get any response. So I have a 1985 135hp merc that was rebuilt last year. It has had problems with carburation and now the marina that sold it to me is out of business. I can get someone else to fix it OR I can buy a 1995 mariner 115 as a used motor for $1500.00 and my motor. I really do not think this is a great deal, but I may stick that much into the 135 and still not get it right. It is a bit of a pig on fuel as well. It is on a 19.6 foot starcraft superfisherman. The mariner is off a 17 footer and is supposed to be in top shape. I do not know how many hours on it. So am I better of with the devil I know or the one I don't. Any opinions on both of these motors would be great. I use this to fish Eagle lake in Ontario Canada mostly so reliability is a must. Thank you in advance, Bob

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Motor question

Wow Bob. Eagle Lake is out in the middle of nowhere. I was stationed in Sioux Lookout in the early 70's so I know the area and you are right, you really need a reliable motor. I would stick with the 135 myself. It's a motor you know and it shouldn't be too much to get it running right. If you aren't comfortable working on the motor yourself, I can't see spending 1500 to have a good shop give it a good tune up, carb rebuild etc. But I do agree that where you go boating, you definitely need a reliable boat. If you break down up there the wolves will get you and if they miss ya, the bears will find ya.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Motor question

and is supposed to be in top shape.

Ayuh,..... What have ya done to diagnose the carb issues,..??

Hard to believe it'd be that bigga deal,... 'course, I'm a Mechanic, 'n it sounds like yer not....

I'd also think $1500. would buy the 115, Without yer motor....

 

[riptorn]

Re: Motor question

Aay. I agree, search around your area (google even)and get a Merc mech to fix er up. Try to stay away from the waterfront Mariana's.

 

[Martman]

Re: Motor question

The fuel usage will not be much different between the two motor. The other motor will problably come with its own issues and may need money put into it. Get a quailfied person to diagnose and fix yours.

 

[mphy98]

Re: Motor question

It seems to studder getting up to speed. once there it seems to drop in and out of a cylinder or two. I would welcome any help here, as i really am torn which way to go. I heard that these carbs are not adjustable. Is that true. I am down is SE racine county of wi. anyone know of a great merc mec? also the low oil alarm goes off from time to time. it supposed to have a new gear and the guy did replace the sensor in the motor bottle. It does use the oil from the remote tank so I think it is getting the oil it needs.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Motor question

For 100 bucks,try replacing the accelerator pump. They may call it an enricher. But for sure, the engine won't run right if the diaphragm in that small brass colored pump is bad. I did a 4 cylinder 100 with it. Not sure if the 135 has it but if it does, there is a prime suspect.

Mariner IS a Mercury with different badging. No sense getting the same engine and dropping down in horsepower for 1500 bucks. I consider it a relatively bad deal for you. 1500 bucks should put your existing engine in better than new condition.

And remember: The seller NEVER lies. Every engine ran well when put away.