how to tell a merc 2.0, 2.4, 2.5 apart visually ...

[bsteckel]

thanks guys for the support. it seems on this board if you have not been lurking here for 20 years, then you are not worth of asking questions. i understand how many would think i have been dragging on about my outboard purchase, and you are right. i have had some issues where my motor budget got cut in half, so i am really trying to make sure i do not get burnt financially and get the best bang for my buck.

i searched this site for info on doing a compression test .. did not get much back. i know nothing about outboard electrical, charging, wiring, systems ... but i am sure if i do something wrong, it will cost money.

kamikaze .. not sure what your budget is and i really do not care. obviously you have not paid for something and gotten taken or you would not make such a stupid comment. sometimes you do not get what you pay for. maybe you can afford that, but i cannot. and sorry i do not have the years of boating experience you have. this is my fist project boat .. i can send you pics of the car i built in my garage and if you want to come see it, your are more than welcome. i just do not dive into things and get my hands dirty. that can become costly .. i try to arm myself with as much info as possible .. if this annoys you, sorry .. dont read my posts. i am sure some of the car stuff will transfer, but with all the wealth of info here, why would i not ask? not sure how a car motor would be real similar to a 2 stroke outboard, but if you say so .... also not sure how my car experience would tell me if the motor i was looking at was a 2.0, 2.4, 2.5 merc .. thought i would ask someone that works on these daily. i have done compression tests on cars, but the wiring was there and i turned the key to crank them .. this outboard is a little different. do not want to fry a relay, burn up the starter/wiring, etc.

BS has been a huge help with all of his posts, and so has FERM. A few others have also chimed in and i thank you for that ..

maybe i am too much a newbie for this site????

hope i did not overreact here .. i did have a stressful week at work.