XR6 150 hp

[Senderofan]

Hello,

I was wondering if those of you in the know...could share some knowledge with me about the XR6 150 hp motor....model year 2000 to be specific. I've tried to do searches on the net and don't come up with much.

I'm wondering what displacement these engine are...if they share blocks and other parts with their Optimax brothers. Also, I'm assuming these have carb's?? Is this a plus or minus?

My wife and I have found a couple of used boats that would be an easy fit for our family....especially on the wallet vs. buying a new rig( Wife isn't very keen on spending over $30K for a new boat.) One is a very nice boat and has the XR6 150 for its main motor. I just need the skinny on these motors to know if it's something to pursue or not.

Thank you in advance for reading my post. Also thank you very much for any information you can share.

Wayne

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: XR6 150 hp

i have a 2005 merc xr6...the last year they made them. So far its been nothing but great. the v-6 sound and power from these motors is excellent to say the least. In 2000, i believe they converted to flat o-ring heads and motorola igntion systems which is considered the "new updated design" The engine is a 2.5 liter carbed v-6 with a 1.87 gear ratio that is rock solid reliable. The only negitives about the carb issue that i have come across is that it does drink a lot of fuel (who cares IMO) and it does not like to idle a lot due to the motors coming from the factory running VERY rich(lots of oil). Other than that there is no negitives. Very reliable engines throughout the years they were made (1992-2005) and are known to be underrated engines. (160-165 h.p). The optimax is uses the same block but it is direct inkjected so there are not a lot of parts that interchange. You dont need to worry about that though because a merc 2.5 liter carbed engine is one of the most reputable race and modding engines ever to be built. They have TONS of mods available and are capable of so much power (250++) which makes a 150 2.5 very reliable...screamadnfly.com is a site deticated to performance mercury engines...especially 2.5 liters that make 300 h.p. check it out... ANyways, i highly recommend this engine of you want a very powerful, great sounding, reliable, easy to work on motor.

 

[Senderofan]

Re: XR6 150 hp

Thank you very much for the information. I really appreciate it. I had suspected that it might be built on the 2.5 liter block...but didn't know for sure.

Thanks again for the information...it's exactly what I was looking for.

Take Care,

Wayne

 

[Glastron1987]

Re: XR6 150 hp

My 1988 XR4 has served my family well for over 20 years where we have done skiing and racing around the lake. Only a couple of years I had problems with the switch boxes where a mechanic could probalby have diagnosesd it in a few hours. I think the XR6 is just a step up from my XR4 (2.4 liter), but very similar. I think the 150 EFI and Optimax would start better and use less fuel, but would otherwise be quite similar.

 

[j_martin]

Re: XR6 150 hp

I have an XR4. The XR series is a small LU, slightly higher geared, specified at the high limit engine targeting the bass boat crowd. XR2 is 2.0 l, XR4 is 2.4, and XR6 is 2.5. All are carb'd, and if in good tune go like a scalded dog.

The smaller lower unit is adequate in most circumstances. It is also pretty slippery in the water, and is good for more speed because of it. If you surface an aggressive prop with it, it'll likely put the pinion out the side. I surface a high five about 10 percent with no problem. I would recomend you run a very high grade lube in it. Merc High-perf at a minimum.

They do burn fuel. They also perform very well. I would describe my hole shot as mayhem for a very short period of time.

hope it helps
John