1987 Merc 35hp Outboard....repair or replace?

[Cybersnow]

Bought an 1987 Tracker boat that has a 35hp Merc outboard. First trip out the boat died 2 miles from the dock. It sounded like a fuel problem, but who knows? I looked at replacing the motor but that ran from $5k to $8k. So my question is whether to try and fix it, replace the motor for $5k or just replace the boat for $14k??

[SuperD]

You had previously mentioned that this boat meets your needs in a great way for the lakes that you will be fishing. If $14k is your only new boat option it sounds like re-powering would be my choice.

[Bduck]

Bought an 1987 Tracker boat that has a 35hp Merc outboard. First trip out the boat died 2 miles from the dock. It sounded like a fuel problem, but who knows?

There is some troubleshooting that can be done before you dig deep into the pockets for a new motor. From the limited dying statement you made 2 miles out it could be a fuel issue. Your on the right track to think this could be issue. Does engine try to turnover when you go to restart it? Have you looked at fuel filters/screens? What condition is the fuel hose in?, could be deteriorated internally clogging filter or cracked allowing air to penetrate. How old is fuel in tank? How long has the boat been sitting since last used? These are just a couple of the least amount expense to repair. Next might be a bad engine mounted fuel pump, you can also do a cylinder compression check to see if you have low compression. I'm seeing a 30+ year old motor that just might need a little maintenance but so many questions need answered first.

[Cybersnow]

While the boat is a little ragged and could use some carpet and TLC, it is a fishing boat and seems to be exactly what I need. I haven’t seen a used one around and the pro160 is almost a perfect replacement. But I think I will try to tackle the older motor first. As for Bducks Questions, the answer is all ‘I don’t know”. We put water muffs on the motor and it started up and seemed to run just fine. The fuel tank is an old metal one and the fuel line needs replacement and no clue how old the fuel is. Supposedly it was non-ethanol. I have never messed with outboards before, but will start by replacing the fuel tank, line, fuel, and filter and see what happens. Oh, just found a nice video on maintaining a Merc outboard.

[Bduck]

This is a very good history that you know of to get you started. Once you start working on it you'll find that doing the maintenance is not the terrible with 2strokes.

[Cybersnow]

One question that I have, resulting from watching the video is;

When you get done fishing and are not planning on going out again for several days, do you start the motor (in the water), disconnect the fuel line and let the engine use up the fuel in the system?

Never did that with my I/Os or my large outboards.

[Bduck]

One question that I have, resulting from watching the video is;

When you get done fishing and are not planning on going out again for several days, do you start the motor (in the water), disconnect the fuel line and let the engine use up the fuel in the system?

Never did that with my I/Os or my large outboards.

On my F150 Yamaha its fuel injection, i don't run it dry. My kicker is a 9.9 Yamy carbureted motor, I usually do run it dry so fuel doesn't shellac inside. I never know when my next trip fishing will take place