Free Mercury Tower of Power

[jonny rotten]

I can get a free 1984 1150 inline 6 with all the controls. It turns over that's all I know. Seems to be in pretty good shape. I took the plugs out and they seemed okay. I know these motors have a good reputation and a bit of a cult following. I've always had a Mercruiser and don't know the first thing about outboards.I don't even have a boat to put it on but I'm sure I could find one cheap without a motor. So I guess what I'm asking is should I take for something to mess around with or is it more trouble than it's worth. For whatever reason these motors don't seem to hold their value. I'm on the fence. Nothing more expensive than a free boat....or motor

 

[MNhunter1]

If you don't want it, I'll take it I could use the midsection with the newer tilt and trim. Honestly though, if you are mechanically inclined, I'd pick it up. If compression is good, you'd likely be able to get it running or could at least part it out. They might not be highly sought after, part many of the parts are no longer available and they do have a cult following.

 

[redneck joe]

Grab it. A motor is a motor with minimal differences but noting you cant figure out.

 

[racerone]

The decals on the wrap indicate 1976 / 77----Wiring seems to have suffered.----Yes they are a smooth running wonderful motor if in good condition.

 

[Mohawkmtrs]

Also note that this motor is suffering from the all-too-common "Mercury Wiring Insulation Rot".

 

[jonny rotten]

The decals on the wrap indicate 1976 / 77----Wiring seems to have suffered.----Yes they are a smooth running wonderful motor if in good condition.

According to the SN on the transom it's an 84 confirmed by others. Was told someone must have swapped the cowl

 

[jonny rotten]

Also note that this motor is suffering from the all-too-common "Mercury Wiring Insulation Rot".

Ya think I can get a new harness for like $250 or possibly cut and splice wires for nothing. Which is my dilemma. How much am I going to dump into a 40 year old motor before I'm in to deep pissing away money and time

 

[redneck joe]

. How much am I going to dump into a 40 year old motor before I'm in to deep pissing away money and time

Welcome to boating!

 

[Scott Danforth]

check the compression. especially #3

 

[jonny rotten]

check the compression. especially #3

I've been reading that and #1 is the issue from heat. I've also read the bottom cylinder is an issue getting water in from the water jacket rusting out. Any idea how to check that besides water pouring out when I take the plug out. Also wouldn't that cause a hydrolock condition blowing the motor

 

[racerone]

Remove intake bypass covers.----Inspect pistons and rings.

 

[Scott Danforth]

#3 goes from heat, #1 hoes from poor carb maintenance (runs lean ), #6 hoes from leaking crank seal

 

[jimmbo]

The Transom Bracket is post 83, and it was stated the Serial # was 84. It looks like the Engine had a extra Long Shaft Extension Kit installed, to make it a 25" motor
I had an 84 115, and I put a 71 115 Cowl on it. I always thought the Red Wraps were the best looking. In the pic You can see the Ugly Brown on the bottom cover.
One Danger of running the older Wraps, is the Sound Blanket, it was used when the Engine had the Switchbox mounted in front of the Carbs. Later engines, once they switched the ADO Ignition, didn't have that Sound Blanket, probably caused it interfered with Air Movement over the Block mounted Switchboxes. I had a few Switchbox failures after I put the 71 Cowl on.