used mercruiser engine

[38plymouth]

My 120 mercruiser wasn't winterized properly and cracked causing a massive water leak into the oil. The boat isn't worth buying a new engine so I started shopping for a used engine. I found a 120 that the shop says is good for $500. It was out of a 79 or 80 boat (mines an 80). Another dealer has a 140 that he will sell me for $900 and he knows it runs and it is still in a middle 80's boat that has hull damage. He is willing to pull the old motor out if I unbolt most of it and he will then bolt the replacement in for me. I will have to finish hooking stuff up. He also said he will do the whole job for $1,000 and make sure it's running correctly. Either way he wants my engine plus the cash for the good 140. I like the sounds of the 140 and the fact that he will pull one and drop the other in. If I buy the cheaper motor I have to do everything. The 140 will have a 30 warranty, 120 is just guaranteed to be good. I'm not sure what that means. Do these prices sound ok?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: used mercruiser engine

If you CAN do all the work yourself,go for the 120,and have them run it for you,on the floor,before you buy it.<br />If you are going to need help,get the 140.Sounds like that dealer is willing to help and work with you.<br />DHP

 

[rattana]

Re: used mercruiser engine

If you can get the compression results of the motor, it would give you an idea of the condition of the motor.

 

[fireship1]

Re: used mercruiser engine

Hello, I would go with the 140. It sounds like you have a good mechanic standing behind it and willing to help you out. The price sounds fair, after all you are getting the engine, his services to make sure it runs properly after the install, and a limited warranty on the engine all for one price. If these are your two best choices the 140 is a no brainer! I would grab it!

 

[38plymouth]

Re: used mercruiser engine

I thought the 140 would probably be the way to go. With the 120 the guy won't run it, he said he would do a compression test and thats it. I asked him how he could tell if there was a rod knock or bad bearings and he said the compression check would show it. I don't believe that. I wasn't sure on the pricing on used engines, I thought they would be a little cheaper, I guess not. I think I'm going with the 140, the guy seems very nice and has been very helpful so far. One marina I called looking for an engine highly recommended him. Thanks for the reassurance.

 

[mlslocks]

Re: used mercruiser engine

I would go with the 140 for power. 20hp doesn't sound like much but it made a noticable difference on my 17' cobia.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: used mercruiser engine

1. The guy with the 120 does not want you to hear it run, and a compression check will not tell you if a bearing is bad unless you can hear it when the engine cranks which is unusual. A compression check will basically tell you the condition of the valves, valve seats, valve seals, and piston rings (maybe head gasket too). Nothing about the lower end unless like I said you hear it while it's cranking. <br /><br />2. The guy with the 140 will let you hear it, he will install it, and he will let you beat the crap out of it for 30 days and cover it for $1000. <br /><br />I just paid $1200 for the engine alone, long block only (granted it was new with 12 mo warranty) not including accessories, let alone installation. I would head toward the guy with the 140 with a check.

 

[Bondo]

Re: used mercruiser engine

I would head toward the guy with the 140 with a check.

I would head toward the guy with the 140 with Cash ..!!!......................

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: used mercruiser engine

...yeah even better...