Folks,

I bought a boat from an estate sale (so asking the owner is out of the
question). The boat comes with motor. Motor is a Mercury. On the
motor it also says 1250, 125 HP six, Thunderbolt ignition.

The motor is an I6. I wanted to get the motor checked and
decarbonized and whatever else it needs done. The OB motor guy
however wouldnt even touch this motor (like it has the plague) and
said to just throw it away ... So I think, not much to lose and go
ahead and start the thing (wonder if that was a good idea)... It hadnt
run for 2 years but fired up after 30 secs of cranking and sucking gas
through the fuel line.... after that it started instantly every time
.... not bad so far

Now I have a few questions... Hopefully someone can help.

The motor guy said this motor is **** because it has the hanging
ignition, apparently the rotor (he said) costs CAD 400 ... pretty
expensive I must say..

Now:

- If the rotor is really so expensive, is there another that fits?
Automotive?
- What gas/oil mixture does this motor run?
- What kind of oil should I put in the gearcase?
- How do I check the waterpump (or impeller)?
- What compression should this motor have?
- Is this motor really garbage? Ok it has no power trim/tilt .. but
aside from that?
- how does one decarbonize OB motors?
- Is there anyhting else that I should do to this motor before I run
the boat? (aside from new spark plugs maybe) ?


I dont have much experience with boats and boat motors .. so I am a
little helpless right now...

Any advice is appreciated

Matt

- Is there anyhting else that I should do to this motor before I run
the boat? (aside from new spark plugs maybe) ?


I dont have much experience with boats and boat motors .. so I am a
little helpless right now...

Any advice is appreciated

Matt

I'm not an outboard mechanic careerwise, although I have worked on
many outboards and know a lot about how they work.
I'm not familiar with this particular engine, but I think your
mechanic is way out of line.
If the motor runs well, what's the problem? Run it till it has
problems, then consider the vaule of getting it fixed or not at that
point.
Check the condition of the wiring and fuel lines and replace fuel
lines that need it , wrap electrical lines that appear to be getting
insulation problems with electrical tape, and use it!
BUT- be sure to replace the impellor before using it or you'll
probably burn it right out. Impellor replacement is a pretty easy job
you may be able to do yourself if you have much mechanical skill, if
not, take it to ANOTHER mechanic. You don't want a mechanic with a
****y attitude toward your motor working on it. I would highly
reccomend another mechanic anyway.
John C.

- If the rotor is really so expensive, is there another that fits?
Automotive?
Maybe, but don't worry about replacing the rotor now if it's running
well.

- What gas/oil mixture does this motor run?
You ran it already without knowing? - Be sure to find out and use the
right mixture before running it again or you'll destroy it.
And don't run it without muffs to get water to the engine or you'll
overheat it for sure.

- What kind of oil should I put in the gearcase?
90 weight gear oil...any marine dealer or auto parts store.

- How do I check the waterpump (or impeller)?
Get a manual and replace it. It will need it.

- What compression should this motor have?
Don't worry about the compression if it runs good.

- Is this motor really garbage? Ok it has no power trim/tilt .. but
aside from that?
Not if it runs good.

- how does one decarbonize OB motors?
Don't worry about it if it runs good. Why would you think it needs to
be decarbonized?

John C.

"Matt Lang" wrote in message
om...
Folks,

I bought a boat from an estate sale (so asking the owner is out of the
question). The boat comes with motor. Motor is a Mercury. On the
motor it also says 1250, 125 HP six, Thunderbolt ignition.

snip

Now I have a few questions... Hopefully someone can help.

The motor guy said this motor is **** because it has the hanging
ignition, apparently the rotor (he said) costs CAD 400 ... pretty
expensive I must say..

I have no idea - he may be right, but I'd find a different motor guy.

Now:

- If the rotor is really so expensive, is there another that fits?
Automotive?

Can't answer, but I'd get a second opinion.

- What gas/oil mixture does this motor run?

Call any merc dealer with the serial number in hand (or post here) to find
out what year and then you'll probably also be able to find out the fuel
mixture. That said, it's almost certain to be 50:1. Others know more about
this than I do. I know you ran it (probably with existing fuel?) and it
worked. But regardless, I'd recommend using fresh fuel and oil.

- What kind of oil should I put in the gearcase?

Marine gear lube available at any boat shop. I think it's something like 90
wt. oil. Comes in a squeeze tube, but there's also bulk packages. A tube
or two should suffice. The parts guy should be able to tell you.

- How do I check the waterpump (or impeller)?

You drop the lower unit. Generally, for a new (to you) engine with
uncertain history, it's best to just replace it, and then just do that on a
schedule - every year or two depending on usage. The work is in dropping
the lower unit - and the part is relatively cheap. Therefore, it doesn't
make an awful lot of sense not to just replace. If you're not into the
mechanics of doing this, it's not a very expensive thing to have a shop do
for you.

- What compression should this motor have?

This is an interesting question - tough to get a spec for, in my experience.
I have a 20 year old Johnson V-6, 10 yer old re-build and a 35 year old 10
hp kicker, no rebuild. What I've been told is that anything from 90s to 120s
can be "normal" or "OK", but it's more important that they are consistent
from cylinder to cylinder. For example, my V-6's cylinders have pretty low
compression (90s), but are consistent. The motor runs great and the
mechanic says it's "OK". I have no idea if it would be more powerful or
otherwise better with higher compression or if that is just what it has
always been.

My little kicker, has about 125 in each cylinder. Also runs great.

- Is this motor really garbage? Ok it has no power trim/tilt .. but
aside from that?

My opinion? if it runs well (sounds like it does) and if the compression is
good (consistent), it is a good motor. I'd find a mechanic who's not
prejudiced against it and have him give it a going over - he can also show
you lube points, and give you tips on maintenance. You see very ancient
motors in every day service (I have two!!) and the bottom line, in my
experience, is how they work and how the compression and gear case is. I
think almost every thing else can be fairly easily upgraded, renewed, etc.

By the way, you might be able to add trim/tilt - either through a merc
product or an aftermarket product. Do a web search for options - two that
come to mind are Panther marine and CMC

- how does one decarbonize OB motors?

It may or may not need decarb. But it's easy (smelly and noisy, but easy).
I know OMC (maybe merc too?) makes a spray can decarbonizer. Instructions
are on the can. As I recall, the basic routine is to start the engine (in
the water or on hose) and let it warm up to operating temp. Then, while
it's running you spray the cleaner into the cylinders via the carb air
intakes. Then you let it sit for a prescribed time, and then run it again,
maybe repeat. Can't remember the details w/o reading can. Supposedly, this
can free up rings and improve compression in some cases -and is recommended
before going to more major fixes if compression tests are unsatifsfactory.
There is also decarb. fluid to add to fuel. And, I believe some of the
"premium" TWCIII oils have anti carb. additives.

- Is there anyhting else that I should do to this motor before I run
the boat? (aside from new spark plugs maybe) ?

Spark plugs are so easy and cheap, that's always something to do. I'd make
sure the cooling system (impellor, etc) is working - like said earlier,
maybe just change impellor. But if it's pumping water and staying cool,
(actually not exactly cool, more like "not hot"), I don't think a test drive
would hurt it if you want to do that before doing the impellor.

Of course, you want to make sure the steering system is sound and greased up
before taking it out, especially if you plan to go fast. I'd want to have a
back up for testing - either a kicker, a good paddle or a friend in another
boat (or available by cell phone).

I dont have much experience with boats and boat motors .. so I am a
little helpless right now...

Any advice is appreciated

Hope this helps. My "impression" is that you might have gotten a
serviceable rig - since it started right up and runs. Other than the above,
there's really not much more than that!

HAVE FUN.

Grissy.
Matt

jchaplain wrote in message . ..
- If the rotor is really so expensive, is there another that fits?
Automotive?
Maybe, but don't worry about replacing the rotor now if it's running
well.
yes thats what I thought.... the day of replacemrnt will come though
.... most lilely when its the worst time so i want to be prepared..



- What gas/oil mixture does this motor run?
You ran it already without knowing? - Be sure to find out and use the
right mixture before running it again or you'll destroy it.
And don't run it without muffs to get water to the engine or you'll
overheat it for sure.

I run it with 1:50 from my 25 Merc ... I kinda dont think it would
need more oil but just idling it for a minute should be fine i think
.... when it comes to running the boat I want to make sure the rigth
stuff is in there...

Unfortunately the local merc dealers dont get exited at all about
giving info on old OB's or even touching them



- What kind of oil should I put in the gearcase?
90 weight gear oil...any marine dealer or auto parts store.

cool, thats what I thought

- How do I check the waterpump (or impeller)?
Get a manual and replace it. It will need it.

Getting a manual will be a problem ... I found info on the web saying
this motor was sold 1969 ... although I find it hard to believe that
it would still be in good shape if its that old ...

If I look at the impeller and it looks good, can it stay or are these
parts that should be replaced anyways?


- What compression should this motor have?
Don't worry about the compression if it runs good.

well... so far it just starts and idles ... I have no idea if it puts
out power, although with bad compression it should have a hard time
starting...


- Is this motor really garbage? Ok it has no power trim/tilt .. but
aside from that?
Not if it runs good.

Thats what i though ... I got boat, trailer and OB for USD 1000 ... if
it runs one season its a fair deal.

- how does one decarbonize OB motors?
Don't worry about it if it runs good. Why would you think it needs to
be decarbonized?

Dunno ... I have no expeirence with 2 strokes ... I thought they
should be decarbonized every season or so ... I dont know if that one
was decarbed last time or ever ... can you check if it needs getting
decarbed ?

Thanks for your replies

Matt

jchaplain wrote in message . ..
- Is there anyhting else that I should do to this motor before I run
the boat? (aside from new spark plugs maybe) ?


I dont have much experience with boats and boat motors .. so I am a
little helpless right now...

Any advice is appreciated

Matt

I'm not an outboard mechanic careerwise, although I have worked on
many outboards and know a lot about how they work.
I'm not familiar with this particular engine, but I think your
mechanic is way out of line.
If the motor runs well, what's the problem? Run it till it has
problems, then consider the vaule of getting it fixed or not at that
point.

I thought too , but then , who wants to sit somewhere in the water
with a dead motor ... Maybe getting a 9.9 kicker would be a good idea



Check the condition of the wiring and fuel lines and replace fuel
lines that need it , wrap electrical lines that appear to be getting
insulation problems with electrical tape, and use it!

yes first thing that disintegrated was the fuel line ... I didnt run
it from its own tank ... want to check it for rust and dirt first

BUT- be sure to replace the impellor before using it or you'll
probably burn it right out. Impellor replacement is a pretty easy job
you may be able to do yourself if you have much mechanical skill, if
not, take it to ANOTHER mechanic. You don't want a mechanic with a
****y attitude toward your motor working on it. I would highly
reccomend another mechanic anyway.

Gotta find one of these impellers ....

Matt

Ok, thats what I got:

http://www.oldmercs.com/196869merc1250.htm

Matt


(Matt Lang) wrote in message . com...
Folks,

I bought a boat from an estate sale (so asking the owner is out of the
question). The boat comes with motor. Motor is a Mercury. On the
motor it also says 1250, 125 HP six, Thunderbolt ignition.

The motor is an I6. I wanted to get the motor checked and
decarbonized and whatever else it needs done. The OB motor guy
however wouldnt even touch this motor (like it has the plague) and
said to just throw it away ... So I think, not much to lose and go
ahead and start the thing (wonder if that was a good idea)... It hadnt
run for 2 years but fired up after 30 secs of cranking and sucking gas
through the fuel line.... after that it started instantly every time
... not bad so far

Now I have a few questions... Hopefully someone can help.

The motor guy said this motor is **** because it has the hanging
ignition, apparently the rotor (he said) costs CAD 400 ... pretty
expensive I must say..

Now:

- If the rotor is really so expensive, is there another that fits?
Automotive?
- What gas/oil mixture does this motor run?
- What kind of oil should I put in the gearcase?
- How do I check the waterpump (or impeller)?
- What compression should this motor have?
- Is this motor really garbage? Ok it has no power trim/tilt .. but
aside from that?
- how does one decarbonize OB motors?
- Is there anyhting else that I should do to this motor before I run
the boat? (aside from new spark plugs maybe) ?


I dont have much experience with boats and boat motors .. so I am a
little helpless right now...

Any advice is appreciated

Matt

"Matt Lang" wrote in message
om...
Ok, thats what I got:

http://www.oldmercs.com/196869merc1250.htm

Matt


Like that photo! We had two with the red stripes when I was a kid - a 100
hp and a 9.8. Wish the 100 was a 125 like yours. Hope it works out for
you.

Grissy

"Griss" wrote in message ...
"Matt Lang" wrote in message
om...
Ok, thats what I got:

http://www.oldmercs.com/196869merc1250.htm

Matt


Like that photo! We had two with the red stripes when I was a kid - a 100
hp and a 9.8. Wish the 100 was a 125 like yours. Hope it works out for
you.

Grissy

Yeah and thanks for all your advice !

The scary part is where it says 1968 ..... *shiver* ... lets see how it goes...


Matt

Matt,

I just got bought a boat with this same motor. It's been several years since anyone has posted on this thread but, how was the motor for you? Anything that I should be aware of, any good places to get parts?
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Brian