Reply To: Best 60-85 hp motors of the 70-‘s and 80’s?

[shoestringmariner]

20mercman wrote:

It always seemed to me that the three cylinder OMC was one of their best mid-range motors. I always thought that the V-4’s shook like a wet dog by comparison. I have a soft spot for the inline 4 cylinder Mercury’s but you can have issues with them with out of round cylinders if they have been trolled a lot. They had the same water pump as the inline 6 and folks would troll with them. They ran too cold and would wear they cylinders out of round. Look for rough idle or stalling as a symptom of out of round. Other wise, I love mine. By the time they are this old, there are going to be issues. Wires loosing their insulation are often an issue. How was it stored, was it taken care of. A lot of mid range motors are in deplorable condition as they often sat outside under the shade tree for the last 20 years. A 20hp or 9.5 often made it to the garage or basement where life was better.

Steve

Sorry Steve, I forgot to get back to you. I think it was actually looked after quite well. I’m pretty sure it is the original motor on the boat which is a 1975 or 76. The boat has the original carpet in it and the floors are toast so they’ve never been redone .
Aside from the cracked wiring, In the lower end which had no reverse gear. It starts and runs really well. Except for trolling. Does not like trolling in warm temperatures for extended periods of time. In the fall and ran absolutely perfect all day long. I feel it is reliable however knowing that the wiring is questionable and the trigger could go at any time I’m not comfortable taking it out on big water. Small inland lakes, no problem.

And maybe here’s where people tell me I am crazy for considering big water and ANY old motor. ( when I say big water I’m referring to the Great Lakes )