89 Merc 115HP 4stroke cracked head

[FastbackAndrew]

Hi All
New to boating and to this forum.
Looking at an ad for a 2000 Regency Bowrider with an 89 115 Hp 4 stroke merc outboard on it. The price is very low due to the statement " motor runs but cylinder head is cracked". I am in the north so freezing is probably the reason for the incorrect year engine and the cracked head on this engine. The ad goes on to say that someone who is good at marine mechanics would have no problem changing it. My back ground is industrial and automotive mechanics. Out boards are new to me. I am considering looking into this boat with repairing it in mind. I cannot even find a cylinder head as a part listed for this engine. I would appreciate any comments on this situation.
AK

 

[Karl_Childers]

Re: 89 Merc 115HP 4stroke cracked head

RUN AWAY! That's my knee jerk reaction, unless it's an absolute steal. Outboard engines are about as basic as it gets, even the 4 stroke fuel injection engines. If you are a wrench, you will have no problem. I am not 100% positive, but I don't think Merc mad 4 strokes in 1989. Probably a misprint and it's a 99.

good luck

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 89 Merc 115HP 4stroke cracked head

1989 4 cylinder engine maybe -- but this is definitely not a 1989 four-stroke engine.

 

[FastbackAndrew]

Re: 89 Merc 115HP 4stroke cracked head

Thanks, that explains alot. The ad said four stroke but I suspected he meant 4 cylinder. So I take it that on a 2 stroke the cylinder head is more like a cylinder cover? Which makes me kind of doubt that is where the crack would be. I should know soon.
AK