2018 Mercury 150L 4-stroke

[bassin_louisiana]

Hi All, I am buying a 2018 Ranger tomorrow with a Mercury 150L 4-stroke (NOT ProXS). Photo attached. Since I have only seen pics, I would like to start the motor. I have muffs. 1) Can I use them on water intakes and 2) will it pee strong since there is a thermostat? Any other suggestion on how to test/check this motor before pulling the trigger? Thanks a ton!

 

[Alumarine]

Yes you can run it on muffs and it should pee.

 

[bassin_louisiana]

Thank you, Marc c!

 

[Chris1956]

Sometimes motors will not have a telltale until the thermostats open. This is nearly universal on Merc 150HP 2 cycle motors, but I do not know about Merc 4 cycle motors.

So if the water is cold, the motor at idle, you may not get a telltale. You should see water exiting the motor somewhere. Thru the prop and the gratings above the antiventilation plate, are likely places.

 

[Faztbullet]

Only thing this will tell ya is the water pump works...motor could be running on 2 cylinders and still pee. Best to lake test if possible.

 

[bassin_louisiana]

Is is still worth putting muffs on to hear the motor, make sure it cranks, etc.?

 

[Alumarine]

Is is still worth putting muffs on to hear the motor, make sure it cranks, etc.?

Better than not hearing it run at all!
It should start and idle well instantly even if sitting for 6 months.
Is it still on warranty?

 

[elkhunter338]

I have one of those motors, run fine on muffs, should idle and run very smooth. Make sure shift in/out gear. Don't over rev it you can at times collapse your hose and run the water pump dry.

 

[Faztbullet]

Would you buy a car without driving it? Would you buy it cause it starts and sounds good?

 

[Toyelectroman]

I have a 2018 115hp merc 4 stroke, pretty similar to yours and it will always start peeing after 2 second of starting

 

[projectmayhem]

compression test it