Merc Black Max! HELP

[NorwegianBoater]

Hey guys really need help here!
Im looking at a Merc Black Max 150/200 87mod for my dateline bikini:D and Im wondering about the engine! If you have any experience with this type of the engine or older Merc V6's please post! Very happy for any pros and cons:) And what could I expect of repairs and etc. in near future? To my knowledge it has a brand new powertrim engine, new carburators and just been to service!
Thanks a lot guys:)

[fkboatman]

treat like it was meant to be used,use good pre-mix oil,dont over rev and keep water pumping through it. its a proven motor,just use it and it will take care of the rest

[NorwegianBoater]

treat like it was meant to be used,use good pre-mix oil,dont over rev and keep water pumping through it. its a proven motor,just use it and it will take care of the rest
Thanks a lot:)

[Havasu Carrera]

I was just wondering Do Mercs Break??
My mom and dad had a Tower of power I-6 150 I think it ran a few thousand hours (probibly way more) From about 1976 to 1991 Then rebuilt and sold a few years later.
My second two just got used and sold never tuned up or worked on them. They just keep going. The energizer bunny only dreams of being so long lasting.

[Tom Brown]

I was just wondering Do Mercs Break??
Affirmative. :D

[Towndrunk]

Oh Yeah!!!!!!! But not the way most people use them.

[kingsbiship]

The older V-6s tended to run hot when driven hard! There are mods to correct
this. Change heads to the lost foam (one piece) also drill a third water passage
to the cylinders from the exhaust cavity and verify there's water diverters to
send cooling the long way around the cyl. I have pics. if needed! All this is from my experiences with 2.4L that ran 6300 rpm + (idle stabilizer removed)

[kingsbiship]

I am new to this site but have always subscribed to '***boat' I hope I don't
come off like a know-it-all... but do have experience to back-up my claims!

[kingsbiship]

Once again... I am new here, and cannot post pictures. If I could... it would
make it easier for you to understand the third water hole. Do you have a water
temperature gauge... more important... a water pressure gauge? Do you change
the impeller at all? I don't wanna scare you... but overheating is a common killer
of outboards! At least the hi perf. Mercs. But your fishing V-6 probably never
sees more than 5K... if that! The reeds should be checked if you're idling bad.
At that age... they are probably in need of replacement. (just a guess) If you
have the original steel reeds, they're prone to breakage after time. You can
save some damage, and at the same time help all RPM (and idle) by installing
some Boyesen fiberglass, or other brand. These do no damage if a break occurs
I could talk forever on mods for a V-6... but that will get ya started! Good luck!

[NorwegianBoater]

For all replies and intrest:) One thing a was wonderign about though is the compression! I know it should be even, but how high should it be? NEVERMIND found out that it should around 120-130 and not more than 15% difference between the cylinders:)
Thank you very much!

[NorwegianBoater]

Ill check on the reeds this weekend. I dont run a stat in my motor, I have a pressure guage and I get pressure right off idle as well as a pump that is only 1 season old. It probably would be a good and nice idea if you started your own thread with these ideas and suggestions in it. It could be really helpful.
Yeah that would be great! With pix and etc. of the third water hole:)
Thanks!

[kingsbiship]

Arrows show where the holes are.
Most older 2.4 L Mercs. have only 2 holes here. I drill an extra one at all 4
spots in the block. Take care not to drill thru to the outside or you will have
a leak. If this happens, you can build up some JB Weld to stop it, but we
would rather not have this! Also, the water diverters to route the water
the long way around the cylinders. These are regular 1/4" ID rubber fuel line
pieces cut to fit. Leave an 1/8" open at top and bottom (eliminates stagnant
water)
Good luck!

[NorwegianBoater]

Thanks mate! really helpful;)
Cheers:)