Should I be nervous buying a boat with a 1985 Mercury engine?

Question

It is 1985 Mercury 2-stroke 75 hp 75 ELPT series engine.

How is reliability? I don't want to buy a boat and have to replace the engine right away.

Answer 1

I agree with Mark.  It doesn't matter how old the engine is.  What matters is how it was used, how many hours of use and how it was maintained.  Get a reputable mechanic to check it out and insist on a test ride.  These are reliable engines if maintained and used properly. I have a 1988 135 Merc with over 1400 hours and it still runs like a top, Good luck.

Answer 2

the engine is 28!! years old!!!

u can buy the boat but change the engine

or get it tested 2 see how long itll last.

Answer 3

Check the compression.  That is the only true indication of the condition of the power head.  There are three simple things that are needed to make that extremely simple engine to run, or any other engine for that matter.  Compression spark and fuel.  That is a carburated engine thats a simple enough fix.  So the only other thing to check is spark.  Buy it if it has good compression,  Thats a great motor.

Answer 4

very reliable and simply to work on  its a good motor

Answer 5

My motor turns 30 next year, and it's just barely broke in good!

Parts are available and it's easy enough for the average do-it-yourselfer to maintain, given a good manual and a basic set of tools.

You got some good advice above, check the compression - if the lowest cylinder isn't within 5% of the highest, just walk away.

Answer 6

28 years old?

Can we check our math?

I get so frustrated with this forum sometimes.

Answer 7

Its not the age, its the hours. Do you know how many hours the engine has? If it was maintained and has low hours you could be getting a great deal. If it was abused it doesn't matter if its a 1985 or a 2005, it could be a disaster. get a compression check and a survey of the engine to get a better handle on it.