Dead 175 Merc OB

[Boston Habba]

Had trouble with my 1987 Merc 175 V6 OB. it began stalling and it got increasingly worse. Last week found water in the #1 cylinder, pulled head a found that gasket was leaking. Also found some nicks in the head as if somthing was flying around in the cylinder. Cylinder walls looked ok, so I hoped that the nicks were old damage taken care of in a past rebuild.<br /><br />Put in the new gasket and did compression check- #1,3,5 120 lbs & 2,4,6,125 lbs. Thought I was ok until I tried to start up. Fired intermittently and wouldn't idle. Also could hear an infrequent but definite knock, like metal hitting metal. Obviously something broken.<br /><br />I do't have the $ to replace motor so I am going to pull the power head, open it up and check out the problem. At that point I can fix it or trash it. Experienced opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sharkcat]

Re: Dead 175 Merc OB

experienced opinions would all agree with what you have said pull it down & let us know what you find.Post the serial no.as well & get a manual before you start. Good luck hopefully theres no major damage.Check the reeds..

 

[Boston Habba]

Re: Dead 175 Merc OB

Thanks for the reply. Since I've got nothing to lose I'm going ahead. But, is there anything I should and can check before pulling the head? Can I check reeds without pulling the head? Oh yeh, seem to have answered my own question, if a piece of reed is floating around in engine I've got to tear in down to get it out and see what damage it has caused.<br /><br />Thanks, I'll probably be looking for more advice later.<br /><br />Repirts (stupid striper fisherman screen name) actually, Steve.