1980 Mercury 50HP- Opinions?

[fast_boater]

Found a 1980 Merc 50Hp for $500 canadian, he is bringing it by my place on the boat next sunday so if all is good i can just pay him and pull it off. I will do a compression test before hand though. What would compression be? And what are your opinions on this motor? Thanks, Neil

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[chippie]

If the trailer is good I think that would be worth that alone .

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[fast_boater]

Yeah i know its a good deal but i want to know whether these motors are good or not! I think they are its not that old and its a merc rite? Twin cylinder? What should compression be approx>?

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[chippie]

I knew a couple of guys who had them and they were ok motors when new.

I cant help with the compression figures you are after,each cylinder being the same is good.
With an older outboard that starts ok , pumps water ok doesnt make any clunky noises and doesnt have any bad corrosion visible you are reasonably sure its ok.

My point about the price was that you could recover your money by the sale of the trailer if the motor itself proves to be not much good. Buying secondhand stuff is always a gamble.
A quick phone call to your local outboard dealer might provide the information if you hint that they might be doing a service on it after you have bought it.

Best of luck anyway!



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[jfm]

If it's 1980 it will the old 4 cyl 50hp, not the twin cyl (later) model. The 4 cyl was built to industrial streength, very good motor, zillions made. Just make the usual checks and if it passes, buy it.

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[fast_boater]

thanks guys, that is a good idea about buying the whole thing and selling the boat and trailor and maybe break even........

are these motors big and heavy? how would it compare to the old 50HP chrysler? Thanks.

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[BarryH]

I had a 4 pot Mariner (same motor) on a 14 foot Fletcher. It had all the added weight of power trim as well. Wasn't too heavy. Went like a scolded cat too.

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[Kevin]

The 50hp will be 4 cylinder and like all the old 4 cylinder mercs are excellent engines. Id just check to make sure the compression is even on all four cylinders about the 140 mark would be excellent but they still run well down to about 90 ( as long as they are all about the same reading) could check turn over from cold if it turns slowly at first and compression looks high could be rings sticking. then just turn prop back and forwards to make sure no scrawnching sounds and check for metalic bits in the gear oil and if all ok then im sure youll have a superb engine. up to a few months ago i had a 1980 4 cylinder 80hp and it was a shame i had to get rid of it. will probably weigh about 80kg I would have thought. my 80 which was 4 cylinder and power trim came in at about 100kg.

good luck with it.

kevin

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