Piece715
Senior Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2009
- Messages
- 757
I found a Mercury 850 on craigslist with power trim and tilt and controls for $700. According to the guy selling it it is an 80s-90s model and it still runs, firing up on the first crank. Now I haven't seen it yet but plan to soon. He didn't know if the carbs have ever been rebuilt or the compression. I am going to try to have him take me for a ride.. if that doesn't work definitely gonna hook it up to some muffs. These are the things i plan on looking at when i check it out:
*Turn the prop and watch the hub to make sure the prop shaft isnt bent as well as checking lower unit for signs of being grounded or rock damage
*make sure it hasnt been run in salt water
*Pull the bottom oil screw to make sure the oil isnt milky or have water in it
*Make sure that she is "peeing" properly to ensure not running hot as well as looking for flaking paint on the top that could indicate high temps
*Make sure it shifts easily into forward and reverse
*Check the serials on the motor to ensure they match, check bolts on head for any sign of previous work like rounded corners or mismatching bolts
*Put the tilt up and let it sit for a while to ensure no leaks
What else can I do to ensure I'm getting a good motor is this a good deal or steer clear? Any information would be greatly appreciated! I'm sure yall know tons more about this motor and what to look for! Thanks in advance!
*Turn the prop and watch the hub to make sure the prop shaft isnt bent as well as checking lower unit for signs of being grounded or rock damage
*make sure it hasnt been run in salt water
*Pull the bottom oil screw to make sure the oil isnt milky or have water in it
*Make sure that she is "peeing" properly to ensure not running hot as well as looking for flaking paint on the top that could indicate high temps
*Make sure it shifts easily into forward and reverse
*Check the serials on the motor to ensure they match, check bolts on head for any sign of previous work like rounded corners or mismatching bolts
*Put the tilt up and let it sit for a while to ensure no leaks
What else can I do to ensure I'm getting a good motor is this a good deal or steer clear? Any information would be greatly appreciated! I'm sure yall know tons more about this motor and what to look for! Thanks in advance!