Will my 1983 115 Merc I6 Lower unit work with a 1995 Merc 115?

[ctmega]

You guys have been a ton of help in the past and I have another challenge for you.

My 1983 Merc I6 115 is on it's last leg. It is leaking from some gaskets, the carbs are pretty much shot and I am getting low compression on one of my cylinders. I found a 1995 115 that is in great shape with the exception of the lower unit. I was wondering if my L/U would work. My L/U is in excellent condition.


Please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Will my 1983 115 Merc I6 Lower unit work with a 1995 Merc 115?

That is a good question, since they are quite different motors.

What is the matter with your carbs on that IL6? They almost never wear our, since you can replace the floats, needles and seats and gaskets, and clean them up. The block can suffer from low compression, but gasket leaks are easily fixed. if you want some help with these you need only post.

 

[ctmega]

Re: Will my 1983 115 Merc I6 Lower unit work with a 1995 Merc 115?

I brought it to a local repair shop and they refused to work on it for me. They said the gasket leak that is leaking water around the spark plugs is a big deal. Apparently he is concerned about removing the bolts because he does not want to have one or more break off. I don't know if this is him just being cautious or what, but I would not mind it one bit if I could save myself the cost of a new motor.

The motor sat for 5 years. The carbs got pretty gummed up. I don't know that much about outboard repair but I have a clymer's manual and have done things like water pump and other little things.

Thanks!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Will my 1983 115 Merc I6 Lower unit work with a 1995 Merc 115?

Water leaks around the plugs on an inline Merc is real common. Most put a bead of silicone around the plug to seal it up and forget about it. some of the bolts will likely break if you try to remove them. Some blocks have room for backing nuts for most of the bolts that could break, so it can get easier to repair.

Personally I would pick up a Merc Service manual and clean the carbs up. Get a gasket and needle and seat set for each. Inspect the floats for cracking, and replace any that are bad. Setting the idle mixture is a bit tricky, but with some patience it can be done. Post back if you need any help.

 

[ctmega]

Re: Will my 1983 115 Merc I6 Lower unit work with a 1995 Merc 115?

Chris,

I thought about using some RTV silicon around the plugs just wasn't sure if it was the right option. I have the Clymer's manual. I am not too handy with outboards but do you think I would be able to do the carbs myself? I mean the rebuild kits are cheap and it seems like a straight forward job but I wasn't sure if it was something I could handle.

Thoughts?

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Will my 1983 115 Merc I6 Lower unit work with a 1995 Merc 115?

Chris is leading you down the correct path. The problems you've highlighted are not major.

Which hole is leaking water, and how much? I have silicon on the bottom cylinder on mine, and it works just fine. If you can't stop the leak, then you'll need to try and fix that gasket.

Is that a salt water motor?

ps. your lower unit will not fit the newer motor.

 

[ctmega]

Re: Will my 1983 115 Merc I6 Lower unit work with a 1995 Merc 115?

The motor is freshwater only. I will try the silicon. Anything I can do to save my existing motor would save me a bunch of money.

 

[ctmega]

Re: Will my 1983 115 Merc I6 Lower unit work with a 1995 Merc 115?

The leak is coming from around the #1 spark plug hole.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Will my 1983 115 Merc I6 Lower unit work with a 1995 Merc 115?

The only hard part about cleaning the carbs is setting the idle mix. It is a bit tricky, but with some patience, can be successful.

No 1 plugs leak often...