Repower with 1983 235 VRO?

[Gallagher]

So I know it's an old motor (OMC), but apparently it's rock solid with all new gaskets, new impeller etc., and I think I can get it for $2k. My 150 VRO has been steady these past 10 years but a cylinder is scored and she may be on her way out - lots of white smoke probably from sea water getting to the head. I'm not a wrench and I don't want to spend $5K or more rebuilding it.

My questions is, does anyone know the weight of this 235 OMC? I have a rebuilt and solid transom done professionally so I think I can possibly go up to 500 lbs but the extra torque has me a bit concerned. Any ideas ... ?

Oh, if anyone has a solid 4 stroke for a reasonable price ... ha ha

Thanks!

[smokeonthewater]

I would think that 2k would buy a lot better motor than a 30 year old two thirsty five...

heck my tower o power is only a few years older and I wouldn't value it over a few hundred.

[Destroyer]

My V20 has a 1991 Johnnyrude 225 on it and it handles the power with zero problems. Can't speak for the weight, but you should be fine in the power dept.

[Gallagher]

The guy says he's got $4k in the rebuild, which isn't hard to do. But I agree that it's a lot of coin for an old gas sucker like that. I think I'll clean the tanks, clean the carbon with dunks decarbon method (just found that info here today) and see how long it keeps running before I make any rash purchases. Who knows, maybe a nice 4 cyl will come on the m
arket up here in the NW this fall.

Would love to reduce fuel consumption a bit ...

[kamikaze]

I used to run a 235 on my v20 and later a V8 Johnson 250 on a Aquasport 25 CCP I ran for a time. The 235 drank 5 more gallons a hour at full throttle (32 gallons an hour) than the V8 did. If you want to reduce fuel consumption RUN don't walk. If you want power you can'beat a 235. I have seen dyno results that they ran more like 256 hp at the prop even before they went to prop rating vice power head.

Kamikaze

[bradford]

Use the 2 grand for a down payment on a new power plant and the gas money you save to make the payments.

[THEFERMANATOR]

The 235 is the same basic engine as many 150's built from 85-90. OMC enlarged the ports, put in the bubble back exhaust housing, and a MASSIVE set of carbs to pump it up to 235 propshaft HP(in reality it is equivelant to about a 185HP today). And they never made an 83 with VRO. VRO came out mid year 84, so not even all 84's had it. Corrosion is a HUGE issue on the older engines simply due to age and useage. Personally I would walk away for that price. Even if it is pristine it will eat you alive in fuel costs.

[Hedge]

Weight on that beast is 492 lbs.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by Hedge

Weight on that beast is 492 lbs.

Weight on a 83 235HP is about 385 pounds, same weight(within a few pounds) as a 83 150.

[Gallagher]

Thanks, guys. I think I'll pass on this beast. My current '92 150 rude already has me running to the pump ...