rebuild or upgrade?

[IBFishing]

I am trying to decide on what I need to to. I have a 1977 skeeter with a 1977 mercury 1500 150 hp inline six on it. The block is cracked, so is unusable. It also has two detonated pistons. Everything else in in good condition. Brand new electrical system (everything), good lower unit, good crank, etc. <br /><br />I found a 1996 mercury 150 hp XR6 for $3500 with a fresh rebuild. The problem with this is the process involved in putting in the newer motor. I am assuming I will have to have a new control for it. I will probably also have to have new steering and cables, correct?<br /><br />So I guess my biggest question is, do I invest the money in finding a good block and rebuilding my old motor and being able to keep same cables and such, or would it be better to spend the money to upgrade to the newer motor? What all would be involved in changing to a newer motor?<br /><br />Thanks everyone in advance.

 

[DJ]

Re: rebuild or upgrade?

The steering cable should be no issue.<br /><br />The controls, I can't say.

 

[briannh1234]

Re: rebuild or upgrade?

Cracked may not be unusable - it depends on where the crack is - however it may put it into the category of "too expensive to fix". A part's block alone won't run you $3500.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure you will find the motor mounting holes will have to be moved. Not a big deal just make sure to seal the old holes in the transom well, and seal around the bolts going into the new holes.<br /><br />I think the controls may be the same. Merc has not changed them until recently when they went to all electronic controls. (On the new motors the only cable left is the steering cable.) I'm not sure exacly what year the changeover occured.<br /><br />Whenever I have bought a used motor it has come with controls. Check with your seller.

 

[jheron]

Re: rebuild or upgrade?

Send Clams an email he probably has a bolt on rebuilt power head in stock for a price that might surprize you shipping is quite reasonable as well.<br />Jon

 

[rodbolt]

Re: rebuild or upgrade?

I just checked my southwest catalog. iboats have some rebuilders as well. the list price is very different from the dealer price. the core charge on southwest is reasonable. I have personnaly had decent service from them but no longer deal in parts. you may try Emailing Clams and working something out. if Clams does not deal with southwest or has never he can post it and we can exchange ideas. the pin connections on the 77 to 96 are different. I think the props changed as well. but the old tower of power worked very well in freshwater. I dont work on them anymore to to corrosion issues in my area.

 

[IBFishing]

Re: rebuild or upgrade?

Thanks everyone for the replies. I've already checked out the rebuilt powerheads on iboats (actually the link goes to boatmotors.com). The thing I am faced with is I can spend $3,000 on a rebuilt powerhead (not knowing the quality of work or parts in motor or how well they stick to their warranty) or I can spend an extra $500 and get a '96 model including lower unit and everything else. Also If I order a rebuilt power head, I would not want to send my old powerhead in. This is so I will have the extra parts if ever needed.<br /><br />If anyone has had experience with boatmotors.com's rebuilt powerheads, good or bad, please let me know your thoughts.

 

[jheron]

Re: rebuild or upgrade?

I know clams has a 115 HERE for $950.00. Here is a quote from the ad I finally have at least one of EVERY 99ci powerhead in stock! From the 1968 Merc 1250 all the way to the 1988 (propshaft rated) 115! So of you need a 90, 115, 125, 135, 140, or 150 of *any* year please inquire.)" There is no core charge either <br />Jon