Thoughts on 88-89 200HP Mercury Blackmax?

[JerseyJim]

I am in the final stages of negotiations on a boat that has an 88-89 mercury 200HP black max w/ oil injection. I'm aware that this engine has 14 seasons on her, but the motor looks to have been well taken care of, and the owner can produce all maintence receipts. The current owner is meticulous about his upkeep, but i dont know about the original owner. The boat has been used sparingly for the last 5 years, and the current owner assures me the motor runs great.<br /><br />anyone have/had one of these motors? Any thoughts? I'd like to get at least 2-3 more seasons out of her before putting the powerhead in for a rebuild (either that or run it until it starts to lose compression, etc).<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Thoughts on 88-89 200HP Mercury Blackmax?

JJ,<br /> I have a '86 Merc. Black Max 175 w/a replaced powerhead.The oil injection pump let go(previous owner).I now do a pre-mix and have had no problems except the steering pivot tube has frozen up(rusted).Make sure that area is well greased,especially in saltwater.

 

[bigbluebirdy]

Re: Thoughts on 88-89 200HP Mercury Blackmax?

I've got an '85 Black Max 150hp...<br /><br />I've owned it for 3 years and previous owner didn't use it much for the 5 years before I bought it. It has always run great and has never had an oil-injection problem or any problem with the powerhead. I did have to rebuild the lower unit, and rebuild the power trim, but that was from lack of use and maintenance on the previous owners part. If it's been well-maintained every year, and he's got the papers to prove it, I think most people would agree that they are great motors and can run forever. You should be able to at least get three more seasons out of it, assuming all is well in the lower unit. I can tell you one thing, they are fast as heck and nothing sounds meaner! <br /><br />Good luck,<br />bbb

 

[kingsbiship]

Re: Thoughts on 88-89 200HP Mercury Blackmax?

I have an '86 200 B Max that I've done alot to!<br />enlarged exhast,plastic reeds, cut heads, enlarged<br />water passages, ...added two to the top two cyl.s<br /> My bigest problem was the oil inj.... not only did I do away with the rod... I filled the void in the block with JB weld. added low water pick up, nose cone, my torque tab is at the very bottom cause not much prop gets wet. keep an eye on the temp. gauge & water press. an' you should be all set!