2001 Merc 60 ELPTO worth it?

[Braklet]

Hi folks, I have a line on a neglected 2001 20' Sylvan pontoon with a 2001 Mercury 60 Bigfoot.

The owner (a neighbor) attempted a Bubba tune, i.e. get it started then blast around the lake at full throttle until it runs smooth. Problem is, he didn't check the coolant weep hole for flow. On returning to his pier, I noticed no water but a lot of steam coming out the hole.

Assuming that he overheated his engine, what should I check to see if it is worth repairing?

If I could get it running well for under $1K or so, I'd come out ahead. The $2500 offer now on the table won't cover buying a new motor.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 2001 Merc 60 ELPTO worth it?

If you can get it for a grand thats a good deal enven if you have to rebuild engine. If you get it be warned these engine do not like to get hot and cylinder sleeves will slip...

 

[Braklet]

Re: 2001 Merc 60 ELPTO worth it?

I don't mind ripping carburetors apart to clean varnish, or replacing waterpump impellers, but I'm not all that interested in a rebuild project. If I can talk him down to where a used motor makes sense, then I'll reconsider.

The sad part is that the boat was probably worth more to me before Mr. Careful Neighbor "got it running" again.

Oh well, thanks for the tips, FB!

 

[mikeneal]

Re: 2001 Merc 60 ELPTO worth it?

Dont quit on it yet, at least do a compression test. I have a 1999 90hp elpo and hit a bunch of weeds last summer and got it hot, way hot, like losing power and steam out of the pee stream. Shut it off and let it cool and ran fine for rest of the day. Figured I hurt it badly but compression is same as it ever was. (~110psi). Maybe I got lucky, but you might too.