Any warnings about a '88 Mariner 20hp?

yakriggs

Recruit
Joined
Sep 3, 2003
Messages
3
I got a line on a 20 hp Mariner 2-stroke with low hours which I can pick up tomorrow morning for $1100. Has anyone heard anything horrible about this one? Thanks for any clues - 2 strokes are hard to find around here.
 

Skinsk

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 31, 2003
Messages
128
Re: Any warnings about a '88 Mariner 20hp?

Check gear lube for water. <br />Check compression, around 100psi on those motors. <br />Check spark. <br />Make sure the motor runs, make sure it pumps water out the tell tale. <br />See if the prop is stuck on the prop shaft.<br /><br />and remember that there is a reason that a marine mechanics favorite 4 words are, "I just bought it..."<br /><br />Scott.
 

yakriggs

Recruit
Joined
Sep 3, 2003
Messages
3
Re: Any warnings about a '88 Mariner 20hp?

Thanks Skinsk. He said it's been sitting a long while so these make a lot of sense.
 

Wildlifedesigner

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 3, 2003
Messages
47
Re: Any warnings about a '88 Mariner 20hp?

I have a 1988 25 Hp mariner. Mine always seemed to run fine. One thing that did fail was the rubber mounted prop design which is supposed to absorb impact( I do not know if all outboards are like this) At cruising speed I hit something and it basically ruined my lower driveshaft, so see if you can see if the prop spins true
 

The Marine Doctor

Commander
Joined
Jul 25, 2003
Messages
2,177
Re: Any warnings about a '88 Mariner 20hp?

There is one thing to be aware of. The throttle linkages on the starboard side of the carb. When they start to wear out..you will have trouble starting the engine. There is though an update from Mercury for this problem.<br /><br />TMD
 

yakriggs

Recruit
Joined
Sep 3, 2003
Messages
3
Re: Any warnings about a '88 Mariner 20hp?

Hey thanks a lot guys. You've managed to actually decrease how dumb I am. Miracles happen!<br /><br />Bob
 
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