Mercury compressor??

[mheichelbech]

Looking at a Ranger that SEEMS to be too good of a deal to pass up.  A 1990 Ranger 492V.  Price was $5,000 and the Mercury engine reported to have a bad compressor.  How bad is this in the pantheon of engine repairs and is it an indicator of other problems?  The boat is sitting on a 2006 Ranger trailer and appear to be a bit long for the trailer by a few inches.  Also, the guy quickly said he’d take $4,200.  Now I’m getting leery.  It’s a long drive to see the boat.  Also, I know that a boat not having the right trailer can be a real issue when traveling.

 

Any thoughts/experience appreciated.

[Russ E]

I am assuming the engine report said it had bad compression. 

On a 2 cycle that often indicates the piston rings are bad.

If that is the case it would be a costly engine rebuild.

Probably why he dropped the price, so quickly.

Personally, I would walk away.

[nmatthes]

Depending on your mechanical knowledge and/or what you are willing to spend. I would present him the facts of what's wrong with the boat and how much it is going to get it fixed at a shop. If you can do it yourself all the better. Then haggle the price from there. If he wont move off of $4200 then let it sit for awhile. If someone else buys it, then so be it, other deals to be had out there. Get the boat at a price you think you are stealing it for and go from there. 

[mheichelbech]

2 hours ago, Russ E said:

I am assuming the engine report said it had bad compression. 

On a 2 cycle that often indicates the piston rings are bad.

If that is the case it would be a costly engine rebuild.

Probably why he dropped the price, so quickly.

Personally, I would walk away.

It specifically says bad compressor.  From what could find it sounds like there is a part called a compressor.  Sounds like it involved a belt of some kind.  Also no engine report, this is just reading the ad.  I will double check this.  I’d have to drive pretty far to see the boat so I’m not sure I could schedule an engine check on it.

[mheichelbech]

Just confirmed it is a compressor and the compression is said to be good.

[WRB]

Ask why the trailer is 2005 with 199O boat? Is the trailer a Ranger?

Also check for title papers for both the boat and trailer.

I am not aware of a compressor on 150-175 hp 90's carb Merc OB. The newer Optimax has fuel injector air compressor.

Tom

PS, compression under 90 psi needs looking into.

[mheichelbech]

2 hours ago, WRB said:

Ask why the trailer is 2005 with 199O boat? Is the trailer a Ranger?

Also check for title papers for both the boat and trailer.

I am not aware of a compressor on 150-175 hp 90's carb Merc OB. The newer Optimax has fuel injector air compressor.

Tom

PS, compression under 90 psi needs looking into.

Just said damage to the original trailer. Here is a pic, as you can see the boat looks a bit long to me.

[WRB]

2005 Red Ranger trailer, Optimax engine of unknown hp and vintage, 1990 Ranger that looks ridden hard. Looks very suspeciuos to me. Get engine vin number and bill of sale. The hull serial number and Bill of sale, the trailer license number and Bill of sale and run them.

Tom

[A-Jay]

Run.

Away.

A-Jay

[mheichelbech]

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

Run.

Away.

A-Jay

What I was thinking.  After talking to another guy about his boat and there are clearly many other things that can be wrong besides the big stuff! $4,200 for a 482vs was enticing. 

[jimmyjoe]

13 minutes ago, mheichelbech said:

What I was thinking.  After talking to another guy about his boat and there are clearly many other things that can be wrong besides the big stuff! $4,200 for a 482vs was enticing. 

 

   Always remember: The best lure for trapping is the one that the quarry CANNOT resist.    jj