94 Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha One

[HighTrim]

Morning Gentlemen....

Not a frequent poster in this category, as I am usually a Jonny/Rude outboard guy, but as my wife wants a cuddy for this summer, am going this afternoon to look at a 94 Bayliner with a 3.0 Mercruiser with Alpha One as stated in the title. Question is, what type of things should I be looking at here, as I have never owned a I/O? From the ad, it seems likely that I will be able to test drive as well, which is good. Would compression testing and the like be a good idea?

Thank you to each and all for reading, your advice is welcome.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha One

check for wood rot.

 

[tommays]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha One

Look for matiance records as at this age the unit will have needed a full bellows change ,lower shift cable and a drive reseal and a few waterpumps

 

[Alumarine]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha One

Yes, check the compression. Engine warm, coil grounded, all plugs out and throttle wide open.

I would think 115 to 140 would be acceptable.

A test drive would be important, it will also let you know if you have enough power. WOT will be around 4800.

Good luck.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha One

Look for matiance records as at this age the unit will have needed a full bellows change ,lower shift cable and a drive reseal and a few waterpumps

Ty for the advice. Am unfamiliar with bellows change though? Ill definately pull the drain plug and look for water intrusion, and I always change the impeller on a new to me motor.

Yes, check the compression. Engine warm, coil grounded, all plugs out and throttle wide open.

I would think 115 to 140 would be acceptable.

A test drive would be important, it will also let you know if you have enough power. WOT will be around 4800.

Good luck.

Tks for the advice, would have thought 4800 was low and was dropping a cylinder if you had not mentioned that, as with the Jonny/Rude outboards I am usually looking for around 5800.

I always bring my compression gauge before buying a boat of any notable worth. Alot of owners frown when you pull it out, which is usually enough to have me walk away anyways. lol

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha One

Found out about the bellows, googled it

What would indicate that the bellows is in need of replacing? Any sure signs on the water? What kind of cost is a replacement?

Helpful video for those searching this is the future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbJbJAY3Jt4&feature=related

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha One

Any thoughts on the bellows? How to tell if they are in need of replacing? Or any other general comments before I leave?

 

[Deanrw3]

Re: 94 Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha One

check for cracks in the block. Check the oil after running it in the water for a while.

Write a list of questions, and ask everything you can think of.


GL

Dean