What should i do ?Need some insight on 87 merc 181pro

[The lawn ranger]

I bought a '87 Stratos 181 pro has a 86 or '87 Merc 150 xr2 ser 0B199676 ,under the impression i wouldnt have to put any or minimal amount of money into it.
The boat had been restored in excellent condition, newbatts, brand new Minn kota, brand new lowrance elite fs 7, new garmin echo , new carpet, new seats, 3bank onboard charger, 3 brand new tires,working pumps, and aeratorsfor $3000, the merc has a couple issues that i didnt know about, im in the process trying to fix myself. I like to think Im somewhat mechanically inclined , i can troubleshoot ,diagnose, repair small engines, and some auto, but i have never tried an outboard 1.charging system, i tested and replaced rectifier, should i replace the 2 wire regulator on top of motor? and where can i find it? 2. Runs good but somtimes what seems like its not getting the correct amount of fuel, i found some debris on the fuel pump screen and cleaned and installed new fuel filter on motor , and seems to have fixed the issue. 3. The pump leaks down slowly with no signs of leaks .i checked and topped off fluid and bled .I just done a dry compression test all left side were near 85. All right side near 80.. i cant decide if it is worth putting any money into replacing pump or any money into this motor? If not, all my budget would allow me for to purchase another old used motor similar to this one. Also it has a 4 blade 24 pitch only runs around 5000 pms runs in mid 40s ive been making lots of adjustments with 4 in jackplate and borrowed a 3blade laser 2 , 23 pitch and got the rpms up to 5600 to 5800 running in high 40's with lots of adjustments. Best was 52 but could not maintain because of the slow leakdown of pump, i cant decide what to do with this motor???? And one of my customers has a boat fixerupper with a evinrude 150 etec saltwater series fuel injected not sure what year motor for 1000 ,should i consider this motor? Can someone please give me there opinion, more the merrier, thank you

 

[jimmbo]

I bought a '87 Stratos 181 pro has a 86 or '87 Merc 150 xr2 ser 0B199676 ,under the impression i wouldnt have to put any or minimal amount of money into it.
The boat had been restored in excellent condition, newbatts, brand new Minn kota, brand new lowrance elite fs 7, new garmin echo , new carpet, new seats, 3bank onboard charger, 3 brand new tires,working pumps, and aeratorsfor $3000, the merc has a couple issues that i didnt know about, im in the process trying to fix myself.
I like to think Im somewhat mechanically inclined , i can troubleshoot ,diagnose, repair small engines, and some auto, but i have never tried an outboard:
1.charging system, i tested and replaced rectifier, should i replace the 2 wire regulator on top of motor? and where can i find it?

2. Runs good but somtimes what seems like its not getting the correct amount of fuel, i found some debris on the fuel pump screen and cleaned and installed new fuel filter on motor , and seems to have fixed the issue.

3. The pump leaks down slowly with no signs of leaks .i checked and topped off fluid and bled

.I just done a dry compression test all left side were near 85. All right side near 80..

i cant decide if it is worth putting any money into replacing pump or any money into this motor? If not, all my budget would allow me for to purchase another old used motor similar to this one.

Also it has a 4 blade 24 pitch only runs around 5000 pms runs in mid 40s ive been making lots of adjustments with 4 in jackplate and borrowed a 3blade laser 2 , 23 pitch and got the rpms up to 5600 to 5800 running in high 40's with lots of adjustments. Best was 52 but could not maintain because of the slow leakdown of pump, i cant decide what to do with this motor???? And one of my customers has a boat fixerupper with a evinrude 150 etec saltwater series fuel injected not sure what year motor for 1000 ,should i consider this motor? Can someone please give me there opinion, more the merrier, thank you

This makes it a bit easier to read

 

[Dukedog]

if your comp is actually what ya say tha motor is really tired ta start with.. should be at least 110+ or better for a healthy motor.... ya might try another gauge ta compare.. tha motor needs ta turn up with whatever prop/height ya end up at... tha 56 ta 5800 is a lot better on tha little motor.... 5 grand is way to low...... jmo.

 

[The lawn ranger]

I was thinking trying a 21 pitch any suggestions

 

[The lawn ranger]

I was thinking trying a

I was thinking trying a 21 pitch any suggestions

Probably just need to deal with it and get over it until she cant run any longer, and hopefully i will had already found a substitute.. i hope incan find a 175 .but what if i dont should i consider a evinrude 150 efi saltwater motor???with low hours For only $ 1000???? My gut is telling me it would be a train wreck one disappointment after another. I would greatly appreciate any insight, advice, etc.?

 

[Dukedog]

I was thinking trying a

Probably just need to deal with it and get over it until she cant run any longer, and hopefully i will had already found a substitute.. i hope incan find a 175 .but what if i dont should i consider a evinrude 150 efi saltwater motor???with low hours For only $ 1000???? My gut is telling me it would be a train wreck one disappointment after another. I would greatly appreciate any insight, advice, etc.?

up ta you.. spend a coupla grand on it ta make it pretty good and ya still have an old (but decent) motor.. or do it yourself.. get an OEM manual for it and follow it to a T for tha most part and ya MIGHT getaway with hone and re-ring only ta give it a little boast...21 inch?.. depends on blades/type and motor height ya run it at.. whatever ya run it needs ta stay 5600 ta 58/5900 max... a 25" salt water omc is jus askin' for problems.. won't work worth a damn as a 25" on your hull... plus all controls will need ta be changed.. good luck with whatever ya decide......

JAN.. anything used ya run across be very leery of unless ya actually know whoever!!!.. lotta junk being peddled out there now days..

 

[The lawn ranger]

up ta you.. spend a coupla grand on it ta make it pretty good and ya still have an old (but decent) motor.. or do it yourself.. get an OEM manual for it and follow it to a T for tha most part and ya MIGHT getaway with hone and re-ring only ta give it a little boast...21 inch?.. depends on blades/type and motor height ya run it at.. whatever ya run it needs ta stay 5600 ta 58/5900 max... a 25" salt water omc is jus askin' for problems.. won't work worth a damn as a 25" on your hull... plus all controls will need ta be changed.. good luck with whatever ya decide......

JAN.. anything used ya run across be very leery of unless ya actually know whoever!!!.. lotta junk being peddled out there now days..

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and insight

 

[Faztbullet]

Da old Stratos submarine.......If rigged correctly it should have a 4 " jack plate and a 22P Turbo. Be careful as around 30MPH ,trimmed down and a sharp left turn ...the nose will drop and dig, the stern will rise and you will bring a wave of water over the passenger. Only the late 86-87 did this as Earl and Alan added strake to mold