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Mercury "Tower of Power"?

vtwin4life

vtwin4life

New member
I recently picked up a 1986 Sportfire with a Mercury 115hp inline 6 cyl "Tower of Power" outboard (of similar year I think). There seems to be a lot of hype about this engine. Is it really the powerhouse people make it out to be?
 
The tower of power slogan refers more to the old 150 I-6 and they were plenty strong for thier day Merc won loads of races with them. That being said your motoris pretty close to one of them after they changed they way Hp was read. They are a very dependible motor when used right they will last for years. The only thing is there are really no mods to be done to these motors for more power, the only way is too buy a bigger motor.
 
YES!!!

Had my local mechanic take a look at the beast. He said the compression test came out fine, and a few other checks came out fine. The sportfire has a lot of gas that is getting old because the previous owner hadn't run her this year since storing last year. If I can manage to get a day off, I'll head north this weekend and see if I can run all that gas out. The mechanic said it would do her good to be run a few days and at the same time burn up some of that gas to be replaced with new. With everything he said - I'm really hoping there's a lot of life in this 'ole '86 Tower of Power. I'm chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel...
 
I have an '87 Tower of Power 115.
After changing the stator and one switch pack, it has been a very reliable motor!
Here is a link which has 2 videos.

http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6210

** No setback/No jackplate
** Motor height: Mounted 1 hole above lowest possible height.
** Prop is 13 1/4" X 22 Michigan Wheel Stainless
** RPM runs between 5200 and 5400 WOT depending on trim
** Boat length is 16' 6" but registered as 17' (See 1985 Brochure)

I can get a little over 52mph GPS.
So far I like this motor alot!
It looks good and sounds good too!

Good Luck and enjoy your TOP!!
 
vtwin4life

I'm hoping to power my enforcer w/ twin 150's; I'll be looking for a pair of late 70's or early 80's models. I currently own a 1967 950ss which I hope to bring to life. Even if there aren't many mods to be had, the price is far better than more modern power. I also think they look better and have a higher testosterone factor:thumb:

Rod
 
Old Hickory you would probably have an easier time finding 2 later model (after 84) 115's and they are pretty much an older 150. Also the 140 is a rebadged 150 at least the 79-81's as they didn't want to have an inline 150 and a V-6 150 in the lineup.
 
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