Opinions on project motors

jasoncooperpcola

jasoncooperpcola

God
I sold my Merc. Hated to do it.

Onto new things. I just started a Marine Tech class. So far I enjoy it over welding. I need some opinions on a motor or motors for my V20 when I get it done. I was thinking twin 90ish's? I am leaning towards Johnson and Evinrude. Maybe a 225 Ocean Runner? So far I have found a 1985 Evinrude 90 for $100 that is dissassembled. Could be a.headache or not. But my goal is to perform a rebuild on whatever motor I get. Opinions??? My instructor is very knowledgeable.
 
i'd probably lean toward mercs. lotta parts are the same on numerous models, lots of donor motors due to the plastic oil injection ring problems,the late 80's model and up seem to come apart easier than omc, less corrosion issues on lower units & power heads to mid-sections. sounds like you want to go with omc, so i'm sure one of the better heads will come along.
 
what Pfat said, start reading over on scream adn fly and you'll get overwhelmed with info on how to make a merc fly. BTW, that 90 johnrude would be a good cheap motor to start with
 
I had forgotten how my old Johnson had rusted out on the steering pivot. I will do some research on Mercs. My biggest concern is finding two of the same outboards. Unless I go with one large engine.
 
Think of the upkeep, maintenance, weight and just overall complications and rigging of twins Jason. Especially on a boat that its not really "needed". Rebuild you a nice 175 Opti or Black Max and be done with it. Less trouble and less maintenance down the road.
 
Stinky_Hooker said:
Think of the upkeep, maintenance, weight and just overall complications and rigging of twins Jason. Especially on a boat that its not really "needed". Rebuild you a nice 175 Opti or Black Max and be done with it. Less trouble and less maintenance down the road.
Click to expand...

Says the guy who rebuilt a trolling motor into an ETEC!! :you:

I am bracketing my V and have a clean slate to start with.
Maintenance might be a pain but since I am in Marine Tech and plan to finish this course it should be no problem.
 
One of my reasons for twins is having a spare incase one decided to quit on me. I intend to do alot of bluewater fishing also running kayaks out to fish. What do yall think? In most cases a single 90 would perform well.
 
eight of ten blue water engine problems are fuel related, or electrical, so if you want better reliabablity of two engins you should also install two fuel systems and electrical systems.
Better to spend on a good solid single engine and systems. Twin engines are very cool and may some confidence.
 
Just going to a single. Looking for a Mercury 175-225. I would not mind another 2.5L.and doing some serious work to it. So yall keep.an eye out for a low compression or locked up.motor for me.
 
If you should decide to go twins, you'll be hard pressed to find a better power to weight to size combination then a couple of older Merc "Tower of Power" inline 6's. Twin 115 hp's should fit nicely, they're small, light, thin, and they are a solid, reliable engine that should continue to give years of trouble free service. Look for something in the mid 80's year range. I think that 88 was the last year they were made, not 100% sure though. Merc added a 0 after the engine size, so a 115 hp is called a 1150 model. Since they are an inline 6 they have plenty of torque, which makes for great hole shots with about a 19P prop on them. And a 115 is enough to get a V20 up on plane. Not sure if a 90 can do that. :head:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2pjzxbwab0
 
Last edited:
No doubt that would be cool Destroyer. But I highly doubt I can find two Towers of Power and much less parts. But then again Smoke has two he found!
 
jasoncooperpcola said:
No doubt that would be cool Destroyer. But I highly doubt I can find two Towers of Power and much less parts. But then again Smoke has two he found!
Click to expand...

LOL I have a 115 sitting in my garage. They're not that hard to find, I believe parts are still available from Merc, and they really are a great, strong engine.
 
Yesterday in Marine Service Tech class we watched a vintage video on servicing the vintage Mercs. It featured a WHITE Tower of Power. The vid was black and white. I thought it was illegal to show pornographic material in a.school??????

All I know is I want two Towers of Power!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top