I'm having a tough day at work. My boat is sitting in the parking lot waiting for me to get off so I can go to the dealer and get a new four stroke Mercury installed.  I'm antsy.

What I am wondering is this: Is the old motor worth anything at all? The old motor is a 1984 Mercury 50 hp. It starts fine and runs smoothly but just doesn't have much power. The compression on the three cylinders is 150, 140, and 135. hould I just have the dealer junk it?

I wouldn't, it's gotta be worth something it's in running condition I'd stick it on craigslist for best offer. Put somekind of money back in your pocket, after buying your new motor. BTW whats your motor?

Whats your new motor,  Is what I meant to say

I'm getting a 50 hp Mercury four stroke.  It's a previous year's model that the dealer is giving me a great deal on.  

If you let the dealer junk it he is going to just tune it up and sell it. Why not help cut the cost of your new motor by resaleing it. Put out the word and you will probably have it gone by the weekend.

I don't get it, why not spend a few hundred fixing up the old motor. You are buying the same HP motor. New is nice but old outboards just flat out work. I have an old 35hp evinrude 1978 I think and wouldn't trade it for a brand new one. Just my opinion I guess.

It would cost about $2,500 to rebuild it and I would still have a 24 year old motor.  Besides, it doesn't have power trim and tilt.  When I lived in Kentucky that was no problem, but down here in Florida it is necessary.

It would cost about $2,500 to rebuild it and I would still have a 24 year old motor. Besides, it doesn't have power trim and tilt. When I lived in Kentucky that was no problem, but down here in Florida it is necessary.

It's the right move to upgrade if you have the chance. Those older parts will be harder and harder to come by. Reliability will be the name of the game.

I guess if you had the money, but I would put my 1978 35hp evinrude up against any new motor in terms of reliability.

I guess if you had the money,  

Well, I have the open line of credit and enough husband points built up.  I dropped the boat off this afternoon and it will be ready in about 10 days.