Old 79 Mercury

[dsinger]

I found a 1979 115hp Mercury in a local Auto Salvage Yard. The owner said he has had if for approximately three or so months. I has just been on it side out in the field for that time. Looks clean, no harness and controls, and all six cylinders 115 compression. I have never owned anything other than an OMC and was wondering what a fair value on a motor like this was. Serial Number is 5415032. Only thing I noticed was the prop hum had a chip and the plastic was a little cracked. I checked the lower unit lub it was water and metal free. The guy told me he could see the lower unit for $450.00 so that is what he wanted for the whole thing. Say the motor ran and the power trim and tilt work does this seem like a fair deal. Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

i paid $1500 for a 71 1350 about 6 months ago. are you talking a bout a chip on the hub where the prop meets the hub. mine has one also. no big deal. i was am a johnny/rude man also. but very please with this engine. all iv'e done to it is new internal wiring harness, found a new(old stock) controller and harness on ebay, and impeller. I've got probably $1900 in it now. but what a screaming baby on my 71 18' Bonita bowrider. go for it. Clams and Tim are on here and pertty much experts on the inline 6's.

 

[dsinger]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

Thank You I called him to day and am going to pick it up Wed for $300.00

 

[dsinger]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

Oh ya after a rebuild it there a market for these engins.

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

Get yourself a manual. Looks like you got a good deal!

 

[dsinger]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

What type of control do I need I have sound several on Ebay. Will a quick Silver Eight pin setup work..

 

[dsinger]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

One more question what problems can I for see since the motor has been without its wrap around cowling outside for several months..

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

Check the wiring. You could have dry rot.
This would work but you would need a harness adapter. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...003QQitemZ130002559841QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW This one would need the adapter, too http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...013QQitemZ230003369337QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW I didn't see the exact Style you need with the proper harness on Ebay, but keep checking Ebay. They show up frequently.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

It probably will need a few things to get her going like switchbox, trigger or something. Not that bad of a deal as long as it is not blown. Dont play the guessing game. troubleshoot and fix only what it needs otherwise it can be $$$ . Good luck.
Tim

 

[gungalunge]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

I redid My 1974 merc 1150 this spring .I had it on the water this June . 18 foot tri hull boat . it runs like a dream and and it's very powerful. I spent @ 150000. including a new stainless steel prop and pistons seals bearings,waterpump , carb overhauls all of it . everything to make it new again even bored it 030. over . it tops out at 52 mph on the water .@ 4800 rpm . and idles down to 500 rpmor. even lower using 78# carb jets . today I adjusted the thottle opening it was only 34/ full I opened it to full cannot wait to kill myself wow is all I got to say about this motor .I am still tuning it . I use 6 gallons of gas 40 to1mix in about 3 12/ hours on the lakeSo.. hold on to your hat "I lost 2 of them " rebuild it it is worth it .The guys out here helped me from ground zero . I am still glad to participate if i can .. each stage .. I say go for it . now I am ready to go fishing .

 

[gungalunge]

Re: Old 79 Mercury

i ment to say 42 mph so far