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Repowering a Classic (cont'd)

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Dyounge:
Back in August I posted about needing a new engine for my 1969 GT-160. I had settled on a 1988 Merc 115 that Supreme Marine was supposedly going to be rebuilding. I've called monthly and they took my name down. No word on when they will actually get around to repairing it (it dropped a cylinder). Not a big deal since the season's over, but a CL deal grabbed my attention. It's a 1990 Yamaha 130 V4 2 stroke. I like the look of the Merc, but have some ideas to make the Yammi look more retro. The "old" Yamahas are supposedly some of the most reliable outboards ever made according to some, but wanted to see if anyone here has any personal experience with them. According to the owner, it was originally owned by the DNR. Not sure for what purpose. Then a "racing mechanic" owned it and the current owner has had it for three years. Says it runs perfect. I'll be sure to listen to it run and do a compression and spark test.

I'm thinking it should be more reliable, easier to work on, and have more parts availability than the Tower. Weight is not bad at 357 lbs. I've read to inspect the shift rod because it wasn't made of stainless until 1995. Comes with boat and trailer and two props for what the Merc will cost. I should get more pictures tonight and will go check it out tomorrow. Thoughts??

Plugcheck:
Yamaha makes good stuff.  It certainly looks clean, but I would still check it out thoroughly.  If money and condition were relatively equal between the merc and Yama, I'd probably opt for the Yamaha.   Other considerations, steering, tilt/trim, and transom mounting differences may also influence a decision

wpstarling:
I've got a 94 Yammy 200 on my ProLine and it runs great.  Starts with no issues or anything, now I've only been using it for a season but I love that engine, if I could put it on my CV16 I would certainly give it thought  ;D

Having said that definitely check it out, mine had all new hoses, plugs, relays, pump, etc but still had to clean the carbs from it sitting for a few months before I got it.  I also swapped the tilt/trim control box (with the relays in it) to one from a Johnson/Evinrude because the yamaha one costs more to replace if it goes bad whereas the one I put in can be fixed by going to any auto parts store, or even Wal-Mart if necessary to replace the relays. 

For the money I'd get the Yamaha.

Hyperacme:
I've owned many Yamaha's, motorcycles and snowmobiles, very good motors !
Merc looks cooler and would look year correct with some 1969 decals.
If Yamaha checks out I would also go with it …
 

Dyounge:
I got some more pics from the seller. On the heads the previous owner wrote down the compressions. Ranged from 125 to 150 psi. This is outside the 10% rule but pretty solid numbers. I will test myself of course but if these numbers are accurate, how concerned should I be?

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