Advice on buying a 120 MC

morelandb

Recruit
Joined
Aug 23, 2011
Messages
1
I'm thinking of buying a mid 1970's 18ft starcraft with a 120 Mercruiser. It will be my first boat. What would be some things I should be on the lookout for? What are problem areas for these engines?

Thanks for any and all help!
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,468
Re: Advice on buying a 120 MC

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...

Look for rotten wood, 'n rotten rubber parts...
 

grzzzz

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
135
Re: Advice on buying a 120 MC

About the only thing you can't really bolt on and off is the block. How long has it been setting? Was it properly winterized after last use? Can you start it and run it for a while to see water gets into the oil? Compression check cylinders? Assure good block and good compression and go for it!

Grzzzz
 

Howard Sterndrive

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
4,603
Re: Advice on buying a 120 MC

get a bright flashlight, and get your head wedged in upside down underneath the intake/ex manifold - look along the side of the block up near the cylinder head for cracks or repaired cracks.
While under there, look at the bottom of the manifold for cracks or repairs.

and ditto on rot- any waterlogging of an 18 footer and a 120HP i/o is going to struggle
 

seaboo

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2008
Messages
300
Re: Advice on buying a 120 MC

Not engine related, but first boat related, if the seats are rotted, floor rotted, ect, remember stuff that looks like a cheep easy repair normally are anything but cheep or easy. Make sure the boat has been winterized if it has been stored,Ilast time it was used?, Past maintenance records?, can you water test it?, Is the trailer in good shape (tires, ect)?
 
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