Pros & Cons of a 1980 Merc 140 L6

[007]

Hello all: I'm considering the purchase of a 1980 Glastron SSV176 with a 140 Merc in-line 6. I've never owned an outboard before. What are this motor's reliability weaknesses? Parts pricing for common things like coils, starter, etc... It is a bit hard to start when cold, and sometime stalls in neutral when idling in a shallow water tilt position, but runs well otherwise. Compression has tested OK, and the 3 carbs have been linked-n-synched by the selling dealer. Any insights are appreciated.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Pros & Cons of a 1980 Merc 140 L6

Nice Boat combo. In general, if the compression checks out and the lower unit looks good they are good motors. Make sure it operates properly at wide open throttle, I am guessing, but you should be around 5400-5700 rpm. If it is a distributor-less ignition you have a bonus as those old distributors can be a real pain to mess with. Parts are not cheap on an old Merc, so expect to spend a few bucks for repairs or parts. In general finding parts is no problem, but there are fewer shops working on the old Mercs. I recommend finding a cranky old man that knows these motors inside and out. They are usually honest or they would have been out of business a long time ago. I have a 78 Merc<br />V6 150 on a 74 Glastron CV. Runs excellent. I have also owned a 77 Merc 1150 that blew a piston, so I have been on both sides of the coin. Don't buy it if it does not perform to specs, not worth the headaches. If you take care of them, use good oil, gas, make sure they spit out water, they should treat you very nice. The fuel delivery is a bit of a pain on these, mine will kill when trimed up as well, the fuel just spills out of the bowls. The Carbs seem to gook up a bit on the old Mercs too, a merc is not happy when fuel starved, or when missing a cylinder. I have grown up with Mercs, and have stayed with my loyalty to them. Even when the run like crap, they are still the prettiest engine ever made. Register your new toy at classicglastron.com it is a great site for the Glastron in all of us!!

 

[007]

Re: Pros & Cons of a 1980 Merc 140 L6

thank you, Kevlar, for insights. The dealer has already advised me that the carbs are a bit worn on this motor, and that they leak a bit. But hey - it's 21 years old. It has distributor-less ignition, and is not a "1400", but a 140. Would you recommend a carb cleaner/gumout treatment, or any other specific maintenance tasks I should perform?

 

[Valv]

Re: Pros & Cons of a 1980 Merc 140 L6

007, I own currently a SeaRay 19' with a 79 Merc. 140 I6. I am very satisfied with motor, plenty of power. I noticed also the problem with motor stalling when tilted, and I believe is a common problem with these motors. Also you won't be able to start it unless you lower it down. I just started it that way, warm it up for a minute, then tilt it up to move out of shallow water, so I can have control of throttle when it tries to kill. Parts are not too easy to find and somehow expensive (but which OB part is not ??). I live in Minnesota where gas has a lot of alcohol in it and I have to watch carefully timing and carburation, otherwise I will burn it up. A carburator kit costs only few bucks (well, multiplied by 3 of course) and it will keep you going great. I use Seafoam constantly to kep carbs clean and Stabil to help with varnish and gunk. I owned a 1350 (135hp I6 with distributor) and I am much happier with the newer motor. I agree plenty with Kevlar, and if you can do some few mechanical repairs by yourself, it will last long and save you bucks. A water impeller is around $ 14.00, I replace it every year, so I don't have problems with overheating.<br /><br />Val

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Pros & Cons of a 1980 Merc 140 L6

In general sea foam or somthing related can be helpful to use. I only use it a couple times a year because I run my boat a bunch. 3-4 times a week. If it is sitting for a while then you want to stabilize the gas, I don't think you want to over additive your engine. That can be harmful on the other side of the coin. I also don't run the fuel completely out of the carbs on shut down. If you run out of lube on an old engine like that your pistons might get really really sad. That ignition on that engine should make it more powerful than its distributor cousin. It sounds like a nice machine!!