New to Mercs: Opinions on 2000 Mercury 125hp?

[NHStriper]

I'm looking into purchasing a used 2000 Mercury 125hp ELPTO with 300 hours. This is the type that drops to two cylinders at low rpms. Does anyone have any advice on if this is a reliable outboard or if they are prone to having problems? I've only had a Johnson before and know nothing about Mercs. The only issue the owner claims is that it occasionally stalls when he hits the gas to pull a skier out of the water, but if he primes the bulb after it happens, the engine revs up and it doesn't stall. Again only claims it's occasionally and only when trying to pull a skier out of the water.

I appreciate any advice, especially from those who have owned one or similar. Thanks!

 

[1nebel0]

Re: New to Mercs: Opinions on 2000 Mercury 125hp?

Sounds like a fuel delivery problem with air in the system possibly.. I am more inclind to say that the accelerator pump for the bottom two carbs is out of adjustment. You run on top two carbs and then transition to the bottom two when you gas it.. I just purchased for resale a 115 with the same setup...While the setup works I am not fond of it..The old 115 was a great moto....these idle different as well as there is no idle mixture adjustment on the bottom two carbs.. I need to replace the stator and get these beast running to be sold..just know from buddies in the business that they are not the greatest idling motors..If the price is right buy it.. If not go to the V-6 150.... easy to work on, easy to find parts and they are great motors to resell if you ever want to.. just my 02......

 

[CharlieB]

Re: New to Mercs: Opinions on 2000 Mercury 125hp?

Additional load of the skier points out the need for a slightly richer idle mixture on the top two carbs, just the bladewidthe of the screwdriver slot.

Also ensure accel pump adjustment is set per the manual.

 

[sschefer]

Re: New to Mercs: Opinions on 2000 Mercury 125hp?

Also ensure accel pump adjustment is set per the manual.

Yep, this is usually the culprit. There also may be a 1/8" fuel filter behind the oil tank that's plugged. Both of these are inexpensive and quick fixes.

 

[NHStriper]

Re: New to Mercs: Opinions on 2000 Mercury 125hp?

Well I just found out more about the engine. The stalling isn't a concern to me anymore. Instead, the owner told me that about 5 years ago he hit a rock and had to have a new skeg welded on, new prop, and cracked the driveshaft housing but has a nice weld job. the driveshaft, propshaft, and interior component of lower unit went unharmed and he's been running it for 5 years with no leaking, vibrations, or other problems. The owner seems honest and was upfront with me about everything.

As for price, he's asking $2500, but I'm going to need all new controls/wiring harness/gauges since I'm setup with a Johnson. I was going to offer $1500 if I can get past the weld job. I'm obviously not looking for a new motor and am on a budget, but also don't want to create another nightmare.

Stay away or Good purchase?

 

[anubix00]

Re: New to Mercs: Opinions on 2000 Mercury 125hp?

ive got a 2000 125HP Mercury, and while I would prefer the 150, the 125 has given me little issues over the year ive run it. the motor sat up for a while, and after some general maintenance, it fired right up. since that time, ive come across some minor issues but nothing out of the ordinary (thermostat, impeller, carb cleaning, etc.)