When good Mercs go bad. Need some advice...

[kevlar3000]

Alright trusty wrenches, my 77 Merc 115 went real bad on me today. I went from 52 mph at 5300 rpm to the clack and clank that ruins any good day. It had run perfect and now sounds like a piston smack or some other $$$<br />disaster. The local wrench can't see it til next week, so your thoughts are really appreciated!! Had it out today, started great, never ever had rpm trouble, I stopped on a sandy stretch to change props. ( a new one... Same pitch different brand. ) When I went to start it up It would barely turn over, piston froze? I could not get it to start, I sat for an hr or so, tried it again, and it turned over easy, started, and right away started that smacking noise. Loaded her up and left. My big question, is a rebuild worth the cost? What cost is it? Is finding a good used one a better option? What do I look for in used? Do any of you in the Minnesota or midwest have a good Merc on hand? Odd1 I know you are in Skanni...<br /><br />Help me pleeeeeze.

 

[markcv]

Re: When good Mercs go bad. Need some advice...

Before you buy a used motor that might be in as bad shape as the one you have, try doing a couple things to your old one.<br />Pull your plugs and see if you pistons are moving. You might have just one cyld. bad. If they are moving, try sticking a screw driver in the plug hole to see if you can hold one from moving. If so bad connecting rod. But I would not run the motor any more intil you find what is wrong. By running the motor you will do more damage. And add more cost to your rebuild if you decide to rebuild.<br /><br />markcv

 

[ODDD1]

Re: When good Mercs go bad. Need some advice...

Kev....right now you got choices to make and little information to go on .....somethings eating itself an you gotta find out what before a choice can be made..compression test an then a gearlube check....you probbly gonna open up the motor, Quality rebuilds on these not cheap, all pistons, reed blocks, bearings, all oversize gonna wipe out $3500.....but thats worst case, may not be rebuild, maybe just a repair....