Mercury if its in good condition. I wouldn't even consider the Nissan because of parts availability. I would not trust parts availability as Tohatsu NLAs their stuff pretty quick. The 8 hp also can have electric start put on it fairly easily.
Cmon people, Did anybody even read what was wrong with this motor?
The water pump housing was deformed.
the exhaust gaskets leak.
This motor sounds to be seriously overheated and damaged.
There is probably at least $1500 in parts and it runs no better. This motor has had the parts cannon loaded...
A leak down test isn't going to tell you anything your compression test has not told you already. Hopefully you are not charging for your time. Might be time to sack up and take the head off instead of looking for a Unicorn cure. Or try being honest with the guy about his boat anchor
why would they be filtered? if you are worried put a little loctite on them and press them back in. You pulled them out and they weren't threaded then. Why would they be threaded back in? They are just a primer nipple. Stop overthinking this
