170 merc cruser help

[tphawk09]

hi looking at a 1989 thompson 18 ft bowrider ,in very good shape ,was wondering if these motors were reliable?? and if 2800 with trailor was a good deal
thanks for all yor help in advance u guys have been great in the pass cheers

 

[Bondo]

Re: 170 merc cruser help

,was wondering if these motors were reliable?? and if 2800 with trailor was a good deal

Nope,... No way in 'ell, 'n NO...

 

[ziggy]

Re: 170 merc cruser help

this might shed some light on why Bond-o said what he said...
http://www.sterndrives.com/470_coolant_leak.html

go to the bottom of the linked page for known issues..

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 170 merc cruser help

Unless you are prepared to do major engine work, such as replacing a head gasket, or replacing the waterpump cam seals yourself, it is probably best to consider other options. That being said, have anything you are considering buying checked out by a reliable boat surveyor, will save you money in the long run, especially for a boat of that vintage. Good luck.

 

[tphawk09]

Re: 170 merc cruser help

okay so stay away gotit how bout a 1996 larson19 foot bowrider with 3 litr merc?? r they reliable??? thanks

 

[fmalott]

Re: 170 merc cruser help

i just bought a 1983 thundercraft merc cruiser 470 170hp.
I'm converting to an alternator but what an excellent link about 470 coolant leaks i have been waiting and asking questions about this motor for a while i learned a lot from that link
NICE GOING!! ZIGGY

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: 170 merc cruser help

Every engine has the potential to be dependable and also a beater depending on the maintenance it has received over the years.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 170 merc cruser help

okay so stay away gotit how bout a 1996 larson19 foot bowrider with 3 litr merc?? r they reliable??? thanks

Sure, BUT, no one here can tell you that specific engine is reliable. A 14 year old motor could be great, or it could be junk. It needs to be checked out by someone that knows what they are doing, along with the hull and drive. Paying someone to do that is cheap insurance.