Repair merc or replace with johnson

[Kevin W]

i posted earlier about compatibility of lower units.
i am also weighing my options.
basically i had a bad day Saturday and hit a rock with my lower unit and it is still in the pond.
Like i said bad day.
i have a 79 merc 70hp with good compression but the lower end is in the pond.(it broke above the lower unit )
I have a brother in-law that has a rot box boat with an 85 Johnson 70hp VRO engine that has been sitting for at least 5 years.
i belive the Johnson has low hours so it may just need carbs cleaned, water pump and tuning etc..
Would it be wiser to take the Johnson and run with it or fix the Merc?

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: Repair merc or replace with johnson

figure out how much its goin to be to fix the merc. then figure out how much the johnny really needs to get goin .

 

[lisfisher]

Re: Repair merc or replace with johnson

sounds like it would be cheaper to get the johnson going.The merc repair is going to be a big bill. The johnson may need just what you said - a good tune up

 

[lisfisher]

Re: Repair merc or replace with johnson

....forgot to add , keep in mind the expense of taking the Johnson off and re-connecting to your own boat.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Repair merc or replace with johnson

Kevin, If all you need is a new LU, you should be able to find a used one laying around. If you cracked the mid-section, you will definately find one of those at a junkyard. If so, buy the midsection, swivel bracket and clamp bracket as an assembly, install your powerhead and the new LU.

Of course the repair is simple, it just cost some $$

 

[Kevin W]

Re: Repair merc or replace with johnson

Kevin, If all you need is a new LU, you should be able to find a used one laying around. If you cracked the mid-section, you will definately find one of those at a junkyard. If so, buy the midsection, swivel bracket and clamp bracket as an assembly, install your powerhead and the new LU.

Of course the repair is simple, it just cost some $$

I have been looking for a lower unit and midsection.
The midsection on mine has nothing to bolt to anymore.
I was very surprised that the whole thing was missing.
It did not even feel like a real hard hit.
I removed the powerhead today and it looks like there is no damage to it.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Repair merc or replace with johnson

Kevin, On the Mercs, the powerheads and LU had stuff that broke, but the midsections usually didn't have anything that would break. If you can find a junkyard, you should find a midsection assembly for cheep. The LU should be harder to get.

I have a OB junkyard near my house at the Jersey shore. If you are planning a trip to the Toms River, NJ area, I will give you their address. They should have the midsection, and have quite a few LUs laying around.

 

[Kevin W]

Re: Repair merc or replace with johnson

Kevin, On the Mercs, the powerheads and LU had stuff that broke, but the midsections usually didn't have anything that would break. If you can find a junkyard, you should find a midsection assembly for cheep. The LU should be harder to get.

I have a OB junkyard near my house at the Jersey shore. If you are planning a trip to the Toms River, NJ area, I will give you their address. They should have the midsection, and have quite a few LUs laying around.

There are quite a few boat bone yards around here too.
I think my game plan is to take the Merc off and get the Jonny going.
then i will still be able to use it a little this year without spending big $$.
and in my spare time i can find parts for the merc..
Hmmm...maybe even a powertrim unit??
There also seem to be alot more bones in the boneyard during the off season and spring.