Engine rebuild

[Olebiker]

I have a 1984 Mercury 50 that is getting to where it will only run my 17 foot Bass Tracker at 24 mph.  It seems to run just fine, but doesn't have any power.

What is involved in having an outboard rebuilt?  Is it worth it considering what a new one costs?

[jdw174]

This is just my opinion, ya understand, but unless I absolutely could not afford a new engine I don't think I'd consider a complete rebuild on a 24 year old engine.

[SV1000]

How about checking the compression first?

It may not need rings if the motor has not been abused or does not have excessive hours on it.

It could be ignition or fuel related too.

I have had good luck with motor issues on iboats forum.

[cart7t]

I have a 1984 Mercury 50 that is getting to where it will only run my 17 foot Bass Tracker at 24 mph.  It seems to run just fine, but doesn't have any power.

What is involved in having an outboard rebuilt?  Is it worth it considering what a new one costs?

Spend the roughly $100 and have a diagnostics run on the motor.  If your compression is off or low they can give you an estimate on a rebuild. It may be as simple as carb rebuild or ignition problem too. If it is in need of a rebuild, then price OB's.  One thing about todays outboard motors is, they are gas sippers compared to that 24 year old, gas gulper motor you have.  With gas at $3 a gallon from now till who knows when, it's something to consider into the financial equation.

[fishfordollars]

Not sure about your 50hp but the going price in Houston on a V-6 Mercury is $600.00 a hole.

[w4svc]

Here is another idea if it needs rebuilding.

http://www.seilermarine.com/outboard-recycle/mercury/mercury_powerhead.htm

http://www.outboardexchange.com/

[Way2slow]

First things first. look in carbs, open the throttle wide open (without the motor running) and make sure the butterflys are opening fully and not goint too far open and moving past center. I've seen this to be the problem more than a few times.

What kind of shape is your prop in, if it's beat and banged, good chance that may be your problem. Even if it looks good, check it closely, I've seen rolled edges that looked fine at first glance.  I had a friend that swapped out his 150 Merc powerhead, just to find the new one didn't run any better than his old one.  Cost him $2,800 to find he had a bad prop.

Do a compression/leakdown test.

Then do a serios decarb on it.

May be as simple as the speedo not reading what it used to read.

As for a rebuild, I would get a remained power head, you will get a much better warrenty than any shop is going to give you for doing yours. If you can turn a wrench, they are very easy to swap out.