Opinion

[2cycle]

I was talking to 2 guys in my area who run a repair shop that services Johnsons and Mercurys.<br />They made several observations that I would like to throw out here. I had taken a LU in off a mid 70s 1500, and as soon as they found out that I had an Inline 6, they proceeded to tell me that these motors are to basically be avoided like the plague and that they are not worth having. I can understand their point of view that they avoid working on them because it can bog the shop down and distributor ignition parts new are astronomical. They said that water getting into the cylinders was and is a big problem and hard to detect. I know that the Inlines have a big following here and I like mine as well, so what is the "bottom line" when the legacy of these motors is written? I have heard few bad things about these motors elsewhere as long as proper maintainence and tuning are observed. Just curious as to opinions on the subject?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Opinion

in saltwater the inlines are a pain in the rumpus. the exhaust divider liked to corrode holes and the tops of the jugs liked to corrode and all the blankty blank fasteners will break off. other than that I always loved mine. it ran well but had occasioinal trigger issues.<br /> but mostly they were solid engines and stayed around I guess 30 years or more in the same basic design.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Opinion

Pretty much comes down to how well it's been maintained. If the L/U is removed regularly and the W/pump changed and carbs and fuel kept clean,<br />Regular flushes after use in salt and corrosion kept in check.. As Rodbolt says.. they are a good motor and been around for a good while. You just need to be lucky with your purchase, I guess.

 

[2cycle]

Re: Opinion

Thanks for the responses. Another thing I noticed on the several older ones that I have seen is that the wiring is usually corroded and brittle - but I was able to get a good used wiring harness. It has been a fun motor to tinker with and and I like its uniqueness..

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Opinion

Since most of them are pushing 30, the saltwater issues are more pervasive now. Past that, they remain a viable economic choice to power your average size family runnabout. Make sure you never "tinker" the max advance timing past 21 degrees.<br /><br />-W

 

[jfholijr]

Re: Opinion

Hey Clams, I apolagize for jumpin in here but, will that 21 degree max advance be advisable to use on my 1975 650 3cyl merc also? and if so why?

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Opinion

The 21 degree advance is advisable for all the "direct charge" motors. If your motor shares the same piston as the inline 6's of that year(and I'm pretty sure it does) the answer is yes. <br />The older crossflows and the 45/50 horse four are all good to 32-33 degrees. Mercury tried the "new" piston at 27, then revised that to 23 and then finally (when gas wasn't what it used to be) said 21. 21 is the number that stands, regardless of the sticker.<br /><br />-W

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Opinion

Clams you appear to understand these inlines better than most, what if a person were to run mid-grade or premium fuel, could they advance the timing back to 23 or higher? Any experience with this? I like how you refered to the direct charge piston as the 'new piston'. It was introduced in 1968, or 36 yrs ago