Help - Used Mercury questions

[TerryMSU]

I am considering a couple of used boats with Mercury outboards. I am somewhat experienced with jonnyrudes and even a junk Chrysler, but have no experience with Mercury OBs.

What should I be aware of? I know compression and lower unit seals, but on the Mercury OB are there 2 Oil fill screws like the Johnson's had?

Both are electric start with console control.

One is a 1990 60HP. I believe that he said ELPTO, but that could be my imagination.

The other one is a 1996 25HP.

Thanks,
Terry

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Help - Used Mercury questions

Same basic stuff as you would check with any outboard. Compression, spark, shifting, lower unit lube, condition of wires, signs of corrosion, all cables operate correctly (steering, throttle, shift), condition of cables, is transom sound and mount secure, and the all important test run on the water...a must-do or no-buy.