Tips for 1972 merc 135 hp please

[sea star]

Hey everyone! i'm in the process of getting a '72 135 hp merc in really good condition(low hrs) for my 17' tri-hull. Can anyone with experience with these motors give me tips on this motor i.e. proper maitainence, fuel/oil, what to look out for, etc ? Also, what kind of top end might i being looking for with this boat(pretty heavy) and where might i find parts. A friend told me parts for this motor are hard to find and expensive. Any help will be greatly appreciated! thanks in advance, <br /> Sea Star

 

[timmathis]

Re: Tips for 1972 merc 135 hp please

Parts are not hard to find. Ebay, Parts dealears, Etc.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Tips for 1972 merc 135 hp please

Whenever I get a used motor, a few things are automatic. Plugs, gearlube, fuel filter(s), water pump. 50:1 is the mix and those motors love 6000 RPMs. I would expect mid to upper 40s, and most parts are no problem but certainly expensive.

 

[sea star]

Re: Tips for 1972 merc 135 hp please

thanks so much for the help

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Tips for 1972 merc 135 hp please

Also a note... the maximum advance on the timing stcker will say 27 or 23 degress BTDC. This is no longer true. The max advance for all the inline six's is now 21 degrees as per Mercury. Use midgrade gas and a good TCW-3 oil.<br /><br />The motors will pull up to 6000 RPM, but they cruise best at 4000 for day to day use. Prop it so that it can make at least 5500rpm at wide open. Don't assume the prop that's on it is what you need. I'd guess you need a 17 pitch prop.<br /><br />-W

 

[JB]

Re: Tips for 1972 merc 135 hp please

Can't believe nobody mentioned this.<br /><br />FIRST get a Service Manual.<br />SECOND study it like your life depends on knowing what it says.

 

[sea star]

Re: Tips for 1972 merc 135 hp please

thanks. where's the best place to find a manual? also, what should be done to the motor the beginning and end of each season for trouble-free use?

 

[gungalunge]

Re: Tips for 1972 merc 135 hp please

ohm those plug wires and coil wires. also check for rubbing against the exhaust cover .flip those plug wires around and check them ..