Went to look at an early eighties 65 hp engine today. The compression was 100,100,105,100 so that looked good. When I pulled the gear oil plug on the lower unit it was brown and obviously had moisture issues. It shifts good and does not make any noise nor does the prop shaft seem to have any play in it. The boat has been in the same family since 66 and has always had good maint. until the current young man who has had it 2 yrs and admits he has not done any maint. on the engine. I can get the boat, (16' hydro swift) 65hp merc and a 10yr old nearly new 40 merc 4hp trolling motor for 1k. I was thinking about getting the boat and change the gear oil run it for a day and see if it seems to only be seals or if the lower unit needs rebuild. My question is what do you think and what would it cost to rebuild the lower unit? I am fairly mechanical and could possibly do it myself unless there are special tools and such needed. Thanks for your help.
