Is a 10 years old Mercury 8 horse motor any Good??

[KMB]

I have a co-worker that knows I'm really into fishing. He mentioned to me that he got a 10 year old Mercury 8 horse 2cycle from his Dad that pasted away. He figured it only had 20-30 hours of use on it. He said it was in great condition.Includes gas tank too. I thought this sounded like a nice deal. Are there any tell tail signs for what to look for? What would be a fair price??

Any help is appreciated. Thanks a lot,
KMB

[REW]

I would think that a new 8 hp merch would run about 1500-1800. Thus, one might think that for a 10 year old unit - that a price in the 400-700 range would be fair. I expect that an offer of $650 - would be more than reasonable.

A motor like that with few hours on it should serve you for as long as you care to have it. Check to see that the lower unit hasn't been beat up.

If the motor hasn't been used for a bit, and - depending on how it was last fueled -- it might happen - that you might need to have the carbs cleaned. If the fuel was stabilized during all of the periods on non use - then you will probably gas up and go.

Take care

REW

p.s.
You might check your local papers, as well as local dealers for current prices for a 10 year old merc. Sometimes local conditions of supply and demand -- will drive the prices up or down.

[Airwave(OH)]

If your getting it for a GREAT price it might be worth taking it to a Professional and have it gone through. There are many things that could be wrong depending on how it was put away. But if it's OK it will be a good motor to invest in.

[Phil T.]

Small 2-stroke engines rarely have anything go wrong with them. I'd buy it, then replace the water pump impeller, and go fishing. The impeller will take a set with age as well as with use.
I have a 9.8hp Merc for a kicker that I've owned since 1978. I've been offered $630 for it from a dealer who was low on used engines of kicker size. Mine is an electric start model, and the only things that have been repaired are water pump impellers(every two or three years), carb kits(twice), prop shaft seals(twice) and the starter(once). Not bad for 22 years of dependable use.

[cisco]

A superficial "test" to see if there were any heat problems is to remove the shroud and examine the surfaces all over the engine. If there is any sign of burning, find out why or forget the whole thing. Even at 10 years, the paint inside the shroud should look new.

[SVaerst]

Boy...if it only has the legitimate 20 to 30 some hours, and you get a good deal on it, I'd jump on it. Again, I think the others who posted hit the nail on the head...In my honest opinion, if you start it cold and it takes only 2 -3 pulls to do it, it should be in good shape, as long as it runs smoothly. I will also give testimony on how well the older engines were. My father happens to have a 1973 Johnson 20. It's been taken care of extremely well. Compression is still close to new, and the points have only needed replacement one time...thats it for repairs.. had lots of use over the almost 30 years of it's existence.

Still a wonderful sound to hear each spring...two pulls and she's up and running-right out of storage!!

[Backwater Eddy]

I had a Merc just like that, great little runner too hay.

Like the boys said if it looks clean under the hood and the lower unit is sound it should be a few pulls away from running. Go for it!

Backwater Eddy

“February is the month designed to teach people who don’t drink what a hangover is like.” Garrison Keilor

[cisco]

I have a 14 ft Lund with an 8 Merc on it that I leave in the water all season -- When ice goes out and I set it up, I never need more than 2 pulls to get it chugging. It's my favorite motor. I would not sell for new motor price.

[Merc owner]

BUY IT
My 10 year old merc is on a 15 foot jon boat and I use it as a kicker on my Yar Craft. Only one problem in 10 years-( A coil for the top plug needed replacing)