1982 mercury 115 question for you old hands

[southernvaughan]

I'm going to look at a pontoon boat in Carrollton today that has an old 115 "tower of power" mercury on it. It's a 97 model 24' pontoon. I've never had any dealings with these old motors but the boat is in great shape from the pics. Do y'all think this will be a good motor on a pontoon? Are there any specific things to look out for on this motor? I'll be test driving before I buy it.

[teul2]

Out of curiosity, PM me who has the boat. I live in Carrollton. Maybe able to give you some info.

[deltadukman]

Those old high hat Mercury's can be a pain to deal with and find parts. I owned one. It caught fire in the middle of log loader at Rosedale. Never again...

[southernvaughan]

Trying to find out now.

[southernvaughan]

Trying to find out now.

[miket]

1988 was the last year for the 6cyl. "Tower of Power". Any newer than that and it is a 4cyl. It would be best to have it checked over by a knowledgeable mechanic if possible. If not and all you can do is test drive it, make sure it idles good without stalling. Especially when you shift into gear. Constant stalling could just be carb problems but it can also be a sign of internal problems: low compression, reed or reed block problems. Be careful that it is not just idled up too high also. This can be done to keep it from stalling and can mask more major problems. Pull the drain screw out of the lower unit to let a few drops of oil come out. There should be no water,milky looking oil or oil with lots of metal particles in it. Most drain screws have a magnet tip to attract shavings and this is normal. Black oil would be normal and just needs to be changed. Brand new oil could be ok but it also could have just been changed to cover up the fact that the unit was previously full of water and has bad seals. If it is a 6 cyl. it may or may not have a distributor type ignition system. The distributor type ignition problems are much more expensive to repair. Also make sure when it is running that the water pump is putting out a good stream. The 6 cyl. impellers should be replaced at least every other year. Once a year is the recommended replacement though. The 4 cyl. impeller is supposed to be replaced every three years.

[southernvaughan]

Walter Wetzbarger

[southernvaughan]

Thanks a ton!

[mudsucker]

Used to call Mercury's "black anchor" in coastal LA salt marshes as they would not hold up and leave you out there. They got better latter on but that thang is over 30 years old. Run just in fresh water, it may still have some gas guzzling life left in it. Ethanol free only!

[redneck22ms]

we always calledem reggins. black and won't work

[4dawgma]

Plenty of hp for that boat, but that motor is toast.

[BR549]

If in fact is a '82 model it should have Thunderbolt ignition and not a distributer. The down side of that is its thirty plus years old and the wires deteriorate so bad. Some of the wires cannot be replaced like the stator and the trigger. Both would have TO BE REPLACED IF THE WIRING IS CRACKED AT THE COMPONANT. This could get very expensive very quick! Not to mention finding parts. As Miket said check over everything on it. Remove plugs (all 6) visually inspect each for aluminum particles. Also check fire and compression before trying to run it. If compression is off more than 12 lbs or so run from it. Those motors were notorious for burning the top piston, from lack of maintenance (water pump) and bad (old) fuel. Should you buy it PUT A WATER PUMP IN IT!!!!

[southernvaughan]

Bought it. Idles a little rough. Talked to guy at Duncan marine he said there's still a lot of them running around here. Said it needs carbs cleaned. Compression is all within 5lbs of 120 has new water pump runs like a sewing machine once off low speed jets. Been doing some homework. Give me a few months I'll be throwing roosters on the sandbar up river