is this a decent motor?
 

Im considering this motor for my v20:

http://wilmington.craigslist.org/boa/4667359177.html

Looking for feedback if this model is worth considering, or does it have a history of problems? Is the price reasonable? I would of course do a compression test and look at the oil in the lower unit before buying.

Thanks.

Standard 2.5L MERC. Good engines, but all of them I have had were a bit thirsty for there size. Only downside to them is the oil injection system they used was junk, but if you ditch it and premix they are fine engines. His price looks a bit high(but not out of the ballpark) unless it is a really clean engine.

good motor, price is good(especially if it comes with the prop), offer $2500 if it checks out. Check compression and spark. Make sure the charging system works. Check the gear lube, look at it for corrosion. If you can take it for a spin on the boat its mounted on, thats a plus. Go ahead and figure having the carbs gone thru, oil injection removed, and put a water pump in it and you'll be good to go. If you need it checked out, call Bell Hart Marine.

I keep forgetting engines bring more up north. Down here that would be a $2K engine on a GOOD day. I bought my 150 XRI that was clean enough to eat off of with a boat and trailer for $2400. Sold the boat and trailer for $300, kept the trolling motor off of for my current boat, and sold the lower off of it for $500 and swapped my low water pickup one from the blown engine onto it.

Wow! Quick replies. Exactly the kind of feedback i was looking for. I have a spark checker (cheap $5 inline from Harbor Freight), a voltmeter to test the charging system, and a compression tester. Although i have never bought an outboard, I feel confident that i can check these basics.

I know each cylinder needs to be within a few psi of each other, but what range can I expect with this engine? I'm guessing 105-125 based on prior experience, but i know there's variability among models.

No offense taken, but we don't consider ourselves as being "up north" :zip: Though it's all a matter of perspective, i suppose. In any case, that is why i asked if the asking price was reasonable (never having bought one, i have no frame of reference)

[EDIT: I really do appreciate the replies]

yea, whats this up North Crap? You'd think it was Charlie asking about this motor:hide:


Seriously, pay a good mechanic to check it out, it will be worth it in the long run.

Used to say anyone north of I-10 was a yankee, then I move 5 minutes north of the 10. I guess the new line is Hwy 98;-)

These guys know these motors & are giving good advice, One thing I'd add is to check out the rust in the middle, I can see it looks like mine. Years ago, I had my shift cable freeze up & the mercury guys couldn't get it apart, the bolts were so rusted. I found a guy who could, & it's still running.

I know later models had more stainless parts but not what years.

They are reliable, powerful & suck gas, can't have everything.

When I say up north, I mean any place that has a boating season. Down here in FLAWDA, it is YEAR ROUND. We don't know what that winterizang stuff is.

I wouldn't say up north here either but at least we don't fire up the furnace and break out the north face coats when the temp drops below 80 LOL