It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

[BonairII]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Possible that it's got a stuck ring. Maybe some marvel mystery oil etc squirted in that hole will free it up.

If its runs on muffs.....try doing a decarb. That might get that 90 compression number back up.

 

[mr 88]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

I agree with the stuck ring theory. Before I gave a firm no thanks I would put the engine in a horizontal position and load up all the cylinders with Marvel.Then go back in two days or have the owner run a compression test,which you can verify when you get there if the # 5 reads like the others. Wiring is no big deal as in most cases you can splice new wire in or make your own harness if need be. You said the rest of it looked,so give her a chance.There have been many topics/engines with your comp numbers that go up after the oil treatment.

Possible that it's got a stuck ring. Maybe some marvel mystery oil etc squirted in that hole will free it up.

If its runs on muffs.....try doing a decarb. That might get that 90 compression number back up.

 

[calvinator]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

We did fill the cyl5 with PB blaster for 45 minutes, that was a last ditch effort. Made no difference.


I'm still thinking what to do.... The 1350 motor would be perfect, but there are other hurdles. It is on this guys junk boat behind his junk garage in a mud pit. His driveway is mud/gravel (mostly mud). He has no way to get the motor off his boat. So there are logistics problems that fall on me..... I drag his boat out, I bring my engine hoist, I supply the lifting ring, I do all the work.

Then I lug it all home and get to work. All control cables are cracked and shot, so that needs to be purchased. The control box is beat too. I like nice things, so I will be working on the control box.... Telltale shows no water, so impeller needs work (would do it anyways), but who knows what else I'll come across. Never even bothered checking the lower unit b/c I was torqued this dude said perfect compression...

Fair amount of time and effort to get a motor with low compression home. Then see if I can get the compression up. Kinda don't feel like heading that direction. Besides, this guy was a little snarky. I bet he puts it on CL and some other sucker buys it.

NOW, there is a 69 Merc 1000 on the other side of town. The guy is a boat guy and has it on a stand, will show compression, and will show run. He has it all pretty'd up too. Price is fair. I think I'm going to look at that one. Might fit my "buy a water ready motor" desire.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Nothing wrong with a 100hp Merc Inline Six, either, however it won't have nearly the 'guts' of that 1350, but that one sounds like a lost cause, anyway. Unless you were willing/able to rebuild the 1350 and got it at 'parts' price, not worth the trouble.

The 100hp will certainly burn a lot less fuel but I'm not betting on it being able to plane out a 29-ft pontoon. Of course, if you're only interesting in pushing it around off-plane, it'll certainly be adequate. You'll have to install a pretty low-pitched prop to keep from overloading the motor.

Be sure to pull the drain plug on the lower unit & check for water, that 100 will have a mild steel driveshaft unless the lower unit (or driveshaft) has been replaced. If it's been run in salt, don't be surprised if it has already. In any case expect to do a little maint like impeller & driveshaft oil seals, unless the guy's already done the work.

G'luck with the 100hp, let us know what you find on that one.........ed

 

[BonairII]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Id pass on the 100hp too...if you'll be underpowered with it. No sense in spending money on something you'll end up being disappointed with.

Put an ad on your local Craigslist stating what you're looking for....I'm sure there's someone out there with the motor you're looking for.

 

[calvinator]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

Thanks for the sanity checks.

I'm going to pass on the dead-to-me Mercury 1350.
And the Mercury 1000 would be a dog too.

Search continues !

 

[downintime]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

I have been running a 1964 65hp 4cyl for years and LOVE it!! I now have 2 1968 1000ss (top), 1 1967 950ss (top), and 1 1972 1400 (top). As far as im concerened they are the best motors out there. I am running them on a 1965 starcraft 16' runabout and overpowering is not even in my vocabulary. Hahaha!! Even if yours needs a little work $800 is a good price and i would get it. I got all mine off ebay and craigslist for $1250.00 combined.

 

[buddhapi]

Re: It is 2013, are Power of Towers relevant

I repaired a 1150 last summer, which had been sitting for over a decade. mice chewed up 3 plug wires, and most of the ignition system wires were all losing their coating. I rebuilt the distributor, starter, tilt and trim pump, wiring, among other things, and he was greatful to pay the $850 repair bill. he paid $500 for this 1972 Tower of Power, and had no idea what he was even buying. it could have been a total boat anchor. it had a blue stripe motor cowling. the RED's are from 1968-1971. these are great old motors, and in my opinion, it's worth the $800, even as a parts motor