What year is this motor? Was it a good motor?

[Mercnewguy]

I'm still looking for a motor for my little bass boat project, 18' 1982 ranger bass boat. I found this mercury motor for sale but don't know what year it is or if it was a good motor. Here is a pic. Let me know what you guys think if it would be worth the effort to get this motor up and running. There is also an option of a 1973-74? Evinrude 135 available. Of these two motors which in your experienced opinions is the better motor?

Also what do you think this mercury 135 is worth? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience.

 

[wired247]

Re: What year is this motor? Was it a good motor?

$200 for parts. You might get lucky and have a rebuildable core. You might not. Are you a gambler? FWIW Its not a 135. 115 or 90 maybe. The lower cowling is a 135 piece and maybe even the upper cowling? Its not in the pic but the powerhead is a later model electronic ignition style and the lower unit is a newer model as well.

My money would go to the 135 Evinrude but to each his own.

Your life will be more stress free if you find a running motor that you verify runs on the water. Read that sentence again.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: What year is this motor? Was it a good motor?

The Mercury if good will run circles around that old Johnrude 135 as I think last year for them was 1975 and had old style Calco($$$) trim.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: What year is this motor? Was it a good motor?

That's not a 135 hp merc, those were 1970 and 71. This is something around 1979, It has an ADI ignition system first used around 1979 and it still has the old style Trim system, discontinued after 1983. It also has the post 1978 gearcase. The wiring harness connector was disdontinued in 1980

As for the 135 Evinrude. Great engine. A 73 is prefered over a 74 in MHO cause it has a slightly higher compression ratio due to the the heads that year.