1978 1150 vs. 1979 115 HP

[nightimefishn]

So after a few posts on here it looks like I have a bad piston on my 1979 115 inline 6.
I have an opportunity to pick up a 1978 1150 for about $250 bucks. Good compression in all cylinders 110 psi, but it will not start. He said it turns nicely, "just not getting spark". He said the wiring harness is rotted out. I just replaced the wiring harness in my 1979. Does anyone know if they match up? Also if it is a switch box on the new boat can i use my switch boxes?

I am trying to see if I can switch some parts around between the two and get one good engine for my boat.

I am going to go look at the motor after work tonight. See if the parts look the same.

Thanks for all the great advice and posts on here!!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 1150 vs. 1979 115 HP

Those motors should be identical, or very nearly so. Wires, ignition, carbs, starter, stator trim will bolt right up

 

[nightimefishn]

Re: 1978 1150 vs. 1979 115 HP

Thanks Chris.
What is your opinion on my theory. If I pick up the 1150 with good compression and I can get her running with some of my parts worth the investment.
Here is the kicker I wanted to bring my new wiring harness but the guy said Im telling you now if the boat starts right up I am not selling her. Is there any other test I can do on site or something I should look for on this engine before I pay 250 for it or does that sound ok to take a risk on it?

 

[duff]

Re: 1978 1150 vs. 1979 115 HP

on my old 1979 80hp I had the same problem with the wires being rotted I just cut out the bad sections and replaced that section (I know not recommended but it worked fine). I also had to replace the trigger and stator due to the wires being rotted just as bad as the harness. so if you have good compression on the one your looking at and it truns freely you should beable to swap the parts and have a good running motor. sounds like you have a viable option

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 1978 1150 vs. 1979 115 HP

If you have personally seen the compression check done and know the numbers to be accurate, and the rest of the motor is clean enough with a decent lower unit, it's certainly worth $250 even as parts.

Go check ebay and you'll see that lower units alone are going for more than that.

HTH & G'luck.........ed

 

[nightimefishn]

Re: 1978 1150 vs. 1979 115 HP

Thanks ALL for your replies. So I just got back from checking out the engine. It is definitelt earlier then 1978. It has a distributor cap. Wires are all rotted and corroded!! I am not too worried about that since I was able to basically re wire my 79 with no problems.
Here is my question now is it still worth it? I checked compression myself, 125 on 5 cylinders I couldnt get my tester to the bottom 6th one and honestly didnt want to stick around more to try and figure it out....

So now my situation is a little different. The boat hasnt been run for a few years but the compression seems real good. I am figuring looking at carb rebuilds and probably fuel pump and impeller at least. But I can pick this up for probably $200.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks again!!!

 

[jimg984]

Re: 1978 1150 vs. 1979 115 HP

1978 does have a distrubeter cap with one coil 79 has a coil for each plug

78 and 79 could be either way if early model

 

[nightimefishn]

Re: 1978 1150 vs. 1979 115 HP

OK I havent been able to check on the serial number will check today. I think I am just going to pick up this engine. Here are a couple pictures I snapped last night. Any takers on est year?
On the cover it says 1150 its the blue banner, it also says power trim but I did not see any power trim. Anyways thanks again.