1988 or '89 75 HP Merc thoughts... newbie needs help

Bmeaty

Recruit
Joined
Nov 6, 2004
Messages
2
ive come across a 1964 16' starcraft closed bow, a 75HP 1988 or 89 oil inj Mercury with less than 50 hours on it, with trailer, on one of my clients driveways. i notice the reg. sticker on the hull was from 1995 so i knew it hadnt been used in a while so inquired if he would be willing to part with it and how much... basically he wants a $1000 bucks for it- i like the boat- the trailer is fine-- but my main reason for wanting it is the motor- he said he ran it last year- and that he'd try to get it running again for me to see-- apparently hes had some difficulties...<br /><br />he said it cranks but doesnt turn over and that it popped once and now<br />hes not getting a spark... <br /><br />basically being a newbie to the outboard, 2 cycle mariners world i want to know what i should look for-- what i should know -- what might some problems be---costs$$-- how to trouble shoot--manual acquisition--... any thoughts on the boat/motor that i should consider?...
 

Trent

Captain
Joined
Nov 17, 2001
Messages
3,333
Re: 1988 or '89 75 HP Merc thoughts... newbie needs help

First off...The 75 horsepower was not made in 1988 or 1989 (it was a 70HP in those years) Need the serial number off the transom bracket to tell you what year it is. Troubleshooting is going to have to be made. You either have a bad stator or powerpak (switchbox)Mercury wants around 500.00 for their updated "red stator" However you can get an aftermarket one for around 225.00 The powerpack runs around 180.00. You will need to test (or have it done) to know which is defective.
 

bigbrownbuku

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 17, 2004
Messages
885
Re: 1988 or '89 75 HP Merc thoughts... newbie needs help

spend 50 bucks and get a local tech to check it out. its probably carbs considering the small amount of use.
 

shipoffools

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 8, 2004
Messages
102
Re: 1988 or '89 75 HP Merc thoughts... newbie needs help

If you are handy you might have a pretty good buy there I had some experience the past two seasons with a 1988 70hp that had very low hours and had not been run in a couple years. Get a service manual!!! there are ways to test the electricals, if they are ok you are probably looking at a carb teardown and cleaning ,while you're at it spend the $15 for a fuel pump diaphram kit (about 15 min work)
 

phatmanmike

Captain
Joined
Oct 24, 2003
Messages
3,869
Re: 1988 or '89 75 HP Merc thoughts... newbie needs help

hello, i have a 1988 90hp 3 cylinder, wich is almost exactly the same motor( at least physically)<br /><br />i love it. ive owned many , many motors in the past, and i say this is my second favorite ive ever owned, the first being my old "tower of power" :) <br /><br />id get it. if you are the slightest bit handy, go for it. the boat doesnt sound to fab, but that motor is one big beefy 3 cylinder.<br /><br />i can say that mine gets great MPG(for an outboard), its VERY throttle resposive, and is very easy to work on, all parts are in easy reach and what not.<br /><br />have your local marine mech take a looksy for you.<br /><br />and if you get it, let the first thing you buy for it....<br /><br />...a manual, just like at the bottom left of this page !!!!<br /><br />out<br /><br />mike
 

Clams Canino

Commander
Joined
Jan 10, 2004
Messages
2,179
Re: 1988 or '89 75 HP Merc thoughts... newbie needs help

Originally posted by phatmanmike:<br /> I say this is my second favorite I've ever owned, the first being my old "tower of power" :)
I sence the force is with you. (and I don't mean Chrysler)<br /><br />-W
 

Bmeaty

Recruit
Joined
Nov 6, 2004
Messages
2
Re: 1988 or '89 75 HP Merc thoughts... newbie needs help

the boat actually in good shape too- its an aluminum deepV closed bow-- with newer steering cables not the old wire and spring ones...im still torn and hes still trying... will most likely order a manual too- just to see what i might be in for... let him tinker and if need be try and see if hell let me cart it off to someone with a bit more knowledge of the motor than myself...i appreciate the thoughts and please feel free to keep em coming... fuel for thought!!!!!
 

phatmanmike

Captain
Joined
Oct 24, 2003
Messages
3,869
Re: 1988 or '89 75 HP Merc thoughts... newbie needs help

well now , you didnt say it was ALUMINUM.<br /><br />get that boat!!!! those are friggen coooolllll<br /><br /><br />did i mention how light weight aluminum is, and it doesnt rot like wood... hint hint
 

shipoffools

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 8, 2004
Messages
102
Re: 1988 or '89 75 HP Merc thoughts... newbie needs help

A 3cyl Merc and a Starcraft my favorite combination
 
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