merc. 1972 3cyl. are they any good??

[stormmnv]

Found a 1972 Merc. 65hp>>serial # 3452816 >>3cyl. with very low hrs. on it..good and equal compression..all orig. parts. been sitting for many years.
were these engines any good In the first place??
yes, I know that it will need carb kits, fuel pump, new fuel hoses, water pump, lower end seals, and ??.

 

[Faztbullet]

Wiring harness and possible trigger. They are a good motor if you back the timing down a couple degrees and prop it for high end of rpm band, dogging em kill em

 

[Fed]

When you said "lower end seals" did you mean the crankshaft seal at the bottom of the powerhead?
If not I'd suggest lifting the powerhead off and replacing that as well (very easy while the leg is off), word of warning, DO NOT use anything to lever the end cap lugs as they break off easily.

Also check/replace the exhaust baffle plate they corrode & spray water into the cylinders.