need advice, 1985 Merc 150 hp

[Smokin' J]

I'm considering buying a 1985 mercury 150 hp. The owner says it's in great running order and has never been rebuilt. Was this a good motor back in it's days? Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about this model and year?, and how much should I expect to pay for a 23 year old motor?.

Thanks for any info, Jeff

 

[Texasmark]

Re: need advice, 1985 Merc 150 hp

Son just bought a '95 150 as part of a rig so I have no pricing info for you.

Engine was in great shape and since buying last February, only problem was the over temp sensor. No biggie.

Mark

 

[Smokin' J]

Re: need advice, 1985 Merc 150 hp

Son just bought a '95 150 as part of a rig so I have no pricing info for you.

Engine was in great shape and since buying last February, only problem was the over temp sensor. No biggie.

Mark

ok.....thanks

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: need advice, 1985 Merc 150 hp

Hi all . Well this spring i bought a tri-hull with a 1978 1000. From a guy right around the corner. He said it was a great running motor the boat was in kind of ruff shape , it stiill floated, but needed a new floor and some other, The only reason I bought it was cause he said it was a great motor !!! well after taking it out ,twice and having to get toed in both times,took it into the shop, and the motor was fried!!! 3 was down to 60 lbs and two others were at 80 ..$&$#^%^$*((#&*&^^$ Well now for the good news,I found a 1000 100hp 1962on ebay, went and seen it and has it checked 140 om all 6 It a great motor !!! it really moxes my 16 footer!!! love the tower of Power !!!!!! and made a new friend out of it !! Uncle Joe !!! lol So what i got to say is that its not the motor , its the guy taking care of it !!!!!!!!! John

 

[Texasmark]

Re: need advice, 1985 Merc 150 hp

John, how true, how true, for anything used you buy. And just because the guy is gray headed, don't think he necessarily takes better care of things than a young guy who might "hot rod"......actually controlled hotrodding is good for engines.

(Some) Older guys get lazy and forgetful. Time passes fast and you don't realize when was the last time you did something. BTDT...doing that. Grin

Like I buy trucks with no chassis grease zerks and use 100% synthetic oil so I only have to change the oil once annually.

Mark

 

[Chris1956]

Re: need advice, 1985 Merc 150 hp

Smokin J, The good news is that motor is a proven design and was the same for 10+ years in design. If the motor is in good shape, that is has good compression, and a good gearcase, the rest is fixable (expensive however).

I would check the compression for evenness on all cylinders, check the gearcase grease for color, check the motor and wiring for overall corrosion and make sure the PTT works well. Now if it starts, you can offer him $500 and see what he says.

See if the oil injection system is still being used.

 

[Smokin' J]

Re: need advice, 1985 Merc 150 hp

thanks for the info Captain, the owner claims good comp. but i will check it for myself. It has an off shore lower unit (low water pickup). I'm not sure why it was changed. He is asking $2500 can. I think this is to much.....whould $1500 be a reasonable offer?.Did this motor have oil injection?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: need advice, 1985 Merc 150 hp

Look under the cowl for a nurse oil tank and a much larger one in the boat somewhere around the transom. See a tank then odds are it's injected.

Mark