to rebuild or not to rebuild

[rbringo]

I have a '74 Merc 80 hp with a cylinder that has lost compression. 2 mechanics so far have told me not to bother with it b/c it is too old and they can't guarantee anything. Does anyone have an opinion before I start seriously looking for a replacement? Thanks!

 

[12Footer]

Re: to rebuild or not to rebuild

Hmm. Were these mechanics? Or do they also sell new outboards? Just thinkin out loud here... It may be an old engine, but everything hinges on whether it has been rebuilt previously in it's long life.<br />A first rebuild would give you a good motor for who knows how long. A new one will have you paying bills for who knows how long. The discission is yours to make. If it were mine, I'd tenderly tear it down and get the parts on order....But that's me. I enjoy these older motors. They are simple and fun to tool on. But then, I'm strange,enjoying such messy things as the gutz of an old Chrysler with potential.

 

[Bear]

Re: to rebuild or not to rebuild

Right on 12footer

 

[rbringo]

Re: to rebuild or not to rebuild

Thanks for the input guys. The mechanics who looked at it were legit. The 800 has not been rebuilt before, but had the lower unit replaced a few years ago (with one from a much newer motor interestingly enough). I hate to junk it, but I don't have much for motor tools to do it myself and don't want to sink a bunch of $$ if it may never run again. I certainly appreciate the input!

 

[12Footer]

Re: to rebuild or not to rebuild

I know my lasp post made it look like I thot the mechanics were not ligit, and I apologise. It was an oversight,and very presumptive of me. I meant to only show them as mechanics. They must turn a profit,and here I am, thinkin "weekend-Fun-Project" motor!!!!! Something you wont catch a wrench doing in his garage on saturdays and sundays

 

[rbringo]

Re: to rebuild or not to rebuild

No problem 12footer, I see where you are coming from. How much specialized equipment is necessary to tear an old motor down? I only have the basics- sockets, wrenches, etc. I guess I have nothing to lose (and I'll probably learn some cool stuff too)!

 

[ODDD1]

Re: to rebuild or not to rebuild

Rb, what you have is an old outboard....this is a distributor ignition crossflow motor...definately old school stuff....is it worth payin somebody to rebuild it? absolutely not....better power can be had for less money.....do it yerself? a challenge definatly....go price a gasket set, 4 oversize pistons, boring,rod bearings,2 reed blocks to assemble an almost 30 year old motor...it wont look as pretty........

 

[manowar]

Re: to rebuild or not to rebuild

keep the old one and maybe get it going good with your spare change and the new can be worked on by the dealer

 

[sony2001]

Re: to rebuild or not to rebuild

These rebuilds, WOW! I'm of the philosphy of to get in and out quickly. One dead cylinder is rings or piston to raise compression. On the way out change gaskets. Thats all. If there is a 19% compression differential or less, thats fine.<br />Come fishing in Canada. Arrange before a rebuild here {35% discount}, use your kicker or paddles for two days while its in the shop {$30 U.S. an hour}. And we have good beer!