How much to spend on vintage motor?

L

Lootas1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 30, 2006
Messages
89
Bought a 1967 Merc 900 with low compression on one cylinder. Got a bid of $1,650 to rebuild the straight 6 powerhead. Don't know what else might be needed. Any thoughts on how much to spend on an old motor? I'm planning to run this on a 1961 Larson 18 foot cruiser and would like to stay with something that is fitting to the boat.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
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51,019
Re: How much to spend on vintage motor?

depending on how low the compression is it may run fine. should be within 10% of each other. i've ran a 71' 1350 for the last year with one low for the last year. as far as what you are doing it's your gut that is what has to determined price. a 45 y/o can be better than a 4.5y/o.
 
Clams Canino

Clams Canino

Commander
Joined
Jan 10, 2004
Messages
2,179
Re: How much to spend on vintage motor?

I rebuild inline 6 powerheads via mail-order - all day every day - for an average of $999. For $1650 I'd expect him to tune everthing, clean the carbs, and check out the lower unit too.

If the low one isn't too low.. try a decarb treatment or 3 first.

-W
 
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