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Engine ad

I've read a lot about these motors but I have never torn one apart and I'm not that great of a mechanic. So with that said: I'd look for an '82 and up 115. If you like the inlines the later models use a distributorless ignition and I believe the compression is a little lower and is less prone to detonation. I think the motors of the 70's look the best but you can clone a later one if you choose.

Also, Mercury came out with the Black Max 150 (V6) in 1982 I think. When they did that, they dropped the inline 1500 from the line up. I have read that they slightly detuned the inline 1500 and reabadged it as the 1150 and it makes around 140hp. So in my opinion I would go for an '82 or up inline.

I just remembered that the '82 and up uses a different trim system with a single ram vs and older dual ram style.
 
He has one of the older blue stripe motors (115hp) with controls, a prop, and cables and is looking for $2700. He is supposed to let me know what year it is. He will start it up and do a compression test in front of me. It is an all original survivor.
 
Compression testing doesnt tell you all that much . I'd look for a leakdown test or at least a guarantee that if the motor runs like crap once on your boat and in the water you can return it for a full refund. Inlines can be their own circle of hell if they run poorly. $2700 is a princely sum for a 115 inline IMHO.
 
wired said:
Compression testing doesnt tell you all that much . I'd look for a leakdown test or at least a guarantee that if the motor runs like crap once on your boat and in the water you can return it for a full refund. Inlines can be their own circle of hell if they run poorly. $2700 is a princely sum for a 115 inline IMHO.
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Welcome to Canada!
 
I think this engine is in Massena NY. Not too far away, but not a boat ride for me. I'm trying to get a hold of him so I can take a look.

The guy from the Kijiji ad got back to me. He wants $2700 for a 1973 inline 115. I'm going to pass....
 
Marlboro said:
I think this engine is in Massena NY. Not too far away, but not a boat ride for me. I'm trying to get a hold of him so I can take a look.

The guy from the Kijiji ad got back to me. He wants $2700 for a 1973 inline 115. I'm going to pass....
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If its a fresh complete rebuild I could see that. Otherwise pass on that great deal.

Inlines have their little issues. The carbs are finicky to adjust to get to run properly and the pistons do tend to side load and wear the cylinder walls more than you'd expect. Biggest problem with them is the labyrinth seal reed blocks. There are no more available at any price and once they are worn out even a complete rebuild with a bore job and new pistons is almost a waste of time. They do have a large fan following for people who have evidently never owned a decent Merc V6 but if you arent getting a reach around with that $2700 inline I'd run.

$2700 would buy you a decent 135 or 150 V6 in most parts of this country or at least a crappy one that you could rebuild for the same money.
 
Alright, my father and I are shooting over to take a look at that 115 in Massena tomorrow night. I'm bringing a compression gauge. Not sure what to expect, he has the motor hanging from a tree. Says we can fire it up and I can check the compression if I want. I know you check it when its warm, should I be manually opening the carbs when I check? What sort of numbers should I be seeing? Anything else I should be looking for? Drain a little gearcase fluid just to see the color?

By the way "Wired", those asses are great.
 
An 85 115 is basically the same motor as a 70's era 1500 150 HP motor. Little lower compression and better electronics. You should see 120+ PSI with no more than 5-7 lbs between cylinders. If he'll let you warm it up do it and open the throttles up when you do the compression test.

I'm not a huge fan of buying motors before they are tested on the water. A 6 cylinder motor will sound just fine running on the idle jets or 3 cylinders but get it on the water and it won't get on plane.
 
I don't like not running it in water either. I'll be impressed if it doesn't break the tree limb its hanging off of and injure somebody.....
 
Wired has a lot of hours invested in one of these motors so he knows what he's talking about but at $1100 even if it needs a trip to Wayne Canino it's not too bad of a deal. And this motor has been hanging from a tree for a month or better, so I think $750 - $850 wouldn't be a bad offering price. He put $1100 up 'cause he wants a $1000. Just sayin.
 
Well unfortunately I got stuck at work and couldn't make it over to see that engine tonight. I am out of town for the weekend so I will try and take a look early next week.

Found this ad, got happy, then realized he hit something with it:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-mo...rd/1007234805?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Additionally, one of my neighbors has an old mx15 by the looks. V6 Johnson 120 hanging off the back. Apparently he took it out once, got scared and has not driven it since. I might approach him and see if the whole package could be had cheap.
 
No offence to the Tower or Power fans but I would encourage you to look elsewhere. There is new school, old school and really old school and the later is where these motors fit in. They are loud, have poor fuel economy and sit too high on a small boat like a Predictor. Find yourself a 115/130 Yamaha V4 and you will spend your time driving it instead of working on it to get it to idle properly. I have a 1989 130 on a Diplomat and it runs flawlessly and never gives me a moments grief. My buddy has a 115 Yamaha on his Enticer and hits 60 mph with no jackplate. I have owned all the brands, dozens of motors and a carbed Yamaha is as bulletproof as was ever made.
 
I've seen the ad for that Yamaha. I agree, perfect. Chances of me hitting wasaga beach any time soon are slim though. I'll keep an eye on it and if I get a chance I will definitely shoot up there.
 
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