Opinion on '79 Merc 150 V6 purchase

[la350]

I'm looking at a '79 Merc 150 V6. The motor was supposedly rebuilt in 2002 but no records of this can be found. I took it to the repair shop and this is what they found needs to be done: Alternator rectifier; 3 water leaks,one around the thermostat and 2 other locations; fishing line around the prop shaft, no apparent seal leaks; dirty lower end fluid with no water or metal particles; compression all in the 130's with the exception of one cylinder at 123lbs; dynos at 2100lbs and should be running at 2800-3100lbs according to the mechanic. Repairs short of the dyno issue total about $450.00. Tilt/trim work fine.

The guy wants 1500.00 for the boat (19' low profile ski hull in good shape but weathered upholstry needing recovered), motor, stainless prop and trailer. I figure I can get 600-800.00 for the hull/trailer alone giving me a cost out of pocket of about 1300 after repairs.

Use will be on my 24' alum skiff that I use in my commercial fishing operation in Alaska. I just bought the boat new and am short on bucks now to power it. All use is within 1 mile of shore and I have 2 other smaller backup skiffs to use in case any of them have a problem. I just need to get a motor to last a season or two until I have the $$$ for a 4 stroke and then this Merc would be a back up motor at that time.

Any thoughts?

Lance
Chico CA
Kenai AK

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Opinion on '79 Merc 150 V6 purchase

Compression sounds good. Did the mech give any indication of why the motor lacked thrust?

 

[holbs]

Re: Opinion on '79 Merc 150 V6 purchase

It sounds like a decent motor to me just needing a little love. I would also say thats a fair price as well

 

[la350]

Re: Opinion on '79 Merc 150 V6 purchase

He suspected carb issues. I ended up buying the package for 1250.00 and will check on having the carbs gone through. Are there aftermarket parts available for this such as carbs/ignition components?

Lance