They are a ***** to start when cold, but once you get them warmed up then they're good to go. They're also simple ( I mean 2nd grade easy to work on). As far as spare parts . . . you can get everything you need off ebay to keep that merc alive (for pennies on the dollar). I have a spare box of parts in my garage (switch boxes, coils, plug wires, stator, trigger, retifier, solenoids, and starter), but I haven't had to do anything but feed it fuel (since I bought the motor and went through it 2 years ago).
Here's what it looked like when I bought it.
The most important things to do with the blackmax motors is to remove the oil injection and then decarb the motors every season (or every 100hours). Also fog the motor and drain the carbs at the end of each season.
This is one of the after pics . . . where the trigger and harness wires were cleaned up. I also replaced all the coils, b/c they were porked (cost me $40 to do everything).
If you ever need the flywheel puller or lifting eye . . . I will have them both and can lend them to anyone on the board.
