advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

[sabinaa]

I am ready to buy a beautiful looking and well maintained 87 bayliner capri boat but it only has this 2.3L omc sterndrive cobra engine w/ ford on it. People are telling me that it is a problem engine and not even strong enough for the 17ft bayliner. We are testing the compression Saturday and thanks to this forum, I will also check for the updated red shift cable that I read about here (is it the shift cable?)<br /><br />In any case, the engine looks really well maintained but has 850 hours on it. The seller also has some receipts for new starter, manifold mountings and cables. I did not see any leaks, wetspots or oil spots - but may be he just cleaned it really well. I love the boat and want to buy it but I don't want to get myself into another engine mess - I already had one with my 1960 mercury outboard which I ruined by mistake last year, had it rebuilt and ever since it doesn't run the same anymore. That engine used to be the BEST!<br /><br />I am no mechanic either so I can not jsut fix things myself <br /><br />Should I stay awayfrom from the 1987 2.3L mercruiser?

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

Sabinaa, Found this link here on iboats.If you follow it you may find out more.<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=004164#000000 <br />Good Luck

 

[Bondo]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

Should I stay awayfrom from the 1987 2.3L mercruiser?

Yes..........<br />Because,<br />1, It's a 2.3l..........<br />2, It's a 1987 Bilgeliner(18 Years Old).........<br />3, It's an Old OMC, NOT a Mercruiser..............<br />4, It' has 850 Hours on it.......<br />

I am no mechanic either so I can not jsut fix things myself

Nuff Said....................

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=007395 <br />one post down

 

[gregs]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

could someone tell us why this is considered a bad engine? how about some horrow storys.

 

[sabinaa]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

You guys are brutal! I really want this boat - could I get another engine for it? The boat is great - I know how to check out hulls as I restored a 1961 Sportster myself. Never had engine issues with my 61 mercury 70hp outboard though so I am no expert with motors. <br /><br />The Bayliner hull looks near new inside out. Even the engine looks young and clean - new cables everywhere and no leaks. I do understand the risk with this engine though and realize that I may get myself in some trouble. I know an old auto mechanic who could probably work on it with the Do it yourself manual. <br /><br />Also, I am lookig for a boat that will run for another 2-3 years and then I am thinking of getting a new boat anyway. It is hard to find something used and affordable in the meantime and I am glad I can at least get some feedback here - even if I don't like the answers

 

[MooseHootie]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

Like bondo said its old, bayliner did not make there boats very strong back then, Omc is gone. I am a chevy man but mercruiser is the way to go. Plenty of parts everywhere.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

sabinaa, You aksed and people responded the only thing left is YOU! If you really want it and the price is right and you can sea trial it, Go for It.

 

[Trent]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

Like Bondo and others have said...Walk away. Their are plenty of other boats out their.<br /><br />But if you really want it go for it....your money!

 

[Lou C]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

First--old Bayliner--look REALLY carefully for wood rot (floors, transom, etc)<br />Second--OMC Cobra drive--see if you can find places that will work on it. Parts are still available, I have a good shop that does the stuff I can't do on mine. Once set up right it is fine, but the resale will never be as good as if it had a Merc<br />Third-Ford OHC 4 cylinder--used in millions of Ford Pintos, Mercury Capris, and Bobcats, as well as older Mustangs. Not really common as a marine motor (I think only OMC used them) so the marine specific parts may be hard to find in the aftermarket.<br />Buying a better quality boat, with a Merc or Volvo power package will make more sense long term. Don't forget, you will eventually sell this one, and it will be even older, and less salable then...

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

Take the advice above. You will have to give this boat away when you want to move up to your next one.<br /><br />There are at least three internet sites where you can find hundreds of boats in this range with more power and a better drive setup.<br /><br />I bought mine on boattrader.com for $5k under the retail value but I searched for months and lost out on two other boats before I landed this one.<br /><br />"Patience pays" in all things related to boating.

 

[achris]

Re: advise BEFORE mercruiser engine problem

Took me almost 2 years to find the boat I wanted. Go look for something with a better reputation and a Merc or Volvo system.<br /><br />My $0.02 worth.<br /><br />Chris..........