Hi guy's, I am trading my present boat for a 85 ranger 375 or something bass boat, it has a late 80's 150 black max xr-2 motor on it, anyone have any history on these motor's, injection system good etc. Thank's Junebugman

You are a long way from being ready to buy/trade for this boat.

You need to be sure what the heck you are buying. Not something or other.

Motor:

Injected?

Need to get the motor checked out by a certified mechanic. It could have tons of issues.

Compression Should not vary over 10%

Carbs Will probably need rebuilt if they have not been

Electrical Harness can/do rot over time

Wiring harness

Lower unit for wear and/or leaks Pull the plug and check for shavings and color

Tilt/Trim check for leaks and hesitation

Steering Cables Is the motor hard to turn from side to side?

Boat:

Transom check for rot

Stringers Check for rot

Flooring check for weak spots especially around drains

Wiring

Hull check for cracks and repairs

Trailer:

Check the welds

Fenders for rot

Lighting

Runners for rot

Axles Look at tires for uneven wear

Hubs Pull the caps and look for water, jack up and check for play

Springs and spring hangers does the boat sit level/ check the welds around the hangers

Tongue

Tires Are they weather rotted? does it come with a spare?

winch Is the strap in good condition, and does it lock each way?

Jack Does it work properly and lock securely in each location?

Accessories:

Batteries How old? Check for weak or dead cells

Trolling Motor How old? All speeds work?

Electronics Do they work properly?

Props Any slippage? Is it the correct prop? Dings and repair marks?

Chargers

fuel lines Have they been updated for the ethanol fuel?

Water seperator Does it have one?

Paperwork Are the titles clear and in proper order?

It's a never ending list.

I know I overstated this, but, if you are not aware and don't get professional help checking out the boat you deserve what you get. Spend the money to get it checked. Run it on the water, not in the driveway.

I run one of these older motors. i just spent over five grand going through it. mine has been a great motor and it loves RPMs and fuel.

Good luck.

Just suck all the joy out of junebugmans post.

Very good advice fishfordollars. 

The joy will be gone the first time he gets on the water if he does not follow the advise. Sometimes you get lucky, but i suggest he carry a tow rope if he fails to follow the rules. It will be the most important piece of equipment on the boat.

I'm speaking from experience. I made all of those mistakes at one time or other.

While I second fishfordollars very good advise I have a 1989 150 on my boat and it is a jewel. Now that I say that it has been very well cared for. Serviced by myself every year and  professionally every two years.

If by injection you mean the oil injection system mine has never been a problem.

I repeat...check the fuel lines. If they are older and he has been running the ethanol mix you need to take a close look at them. they can come apart, the particles can get into the fuel sustem. If you starve the cylinders we all know what's next.

It ain't pretty.

I repeat...check the fuel lines. If they are older and he has been running the ethanol mix you need to take a close look at them. they can come apart, the particles can get into the fuel sustem. If you starve the cylinders we all know what's next.

It ain't pretty.

what are we looking for?

I repeat...check the fuel lines. If they are older and he has been running the ethanol mix you need to take a close look at them. they can come apart, the particles can get into the fuel sustem. If you starve the cylinders we all know what's next.

It ain't pretty.

what are we looking for?

seperation on the inner liner, particles of hose material that can damage fuel pump diaphrams and anything else they come into contact with. Inside of carbs like needle and seats. They can and will wreck havoc on the fuel system.

I repeat...check the fuel lines. If they are older and he has been running the ethanol mix you need to take a close look at them. they can come apart, the particles can get into the fuel sustem. If you starve the cylinders we all know what's next.

It ain't pretty.

what are we looking for?

seperation on the inner liner, particles of hose material that can damage fuel pump diaphrams and anything else they come into contact with. Inside of carbs like needle and seats. They can and will wreck havoc on the fuel system.

will i see anything in my fuel filter?

Haven't picked up the boat "yet" But in response to your question,yes you should be able to see "black" particles' if the fuel line's are bad, the filter will stop them, but as fishing for dollar's say's if the line's are hard replace em it's cheaper the a new or rebuilt engine!! Great advice Fishing for dollar's!!! Junebugman

Follow fishfordollards advice to the letter, he is shooting it to you straight.

I have a 1987 Merc 150. They are outstanding engines if they are always properly maintained.

Runs great, plenty of power, sucks lots of gas.

You should change the water pump housing and impeller, and get the carbs rebuilt if you go ahead with the sale. Peace of mind. A lean cylinder due to a dirty or poorly adjusted carb or a overheated motor due to low water pressure or worn out impeller will destroy the motor in literally seconds. Rebuilt motors are 3K+

Thanks for all the advice guy's We got the motor running today, did a warm compression test and was 140 to 145lb's all six cylinder's! Also did spark test, all coil's were a bright blue color, however, I am going to go over the carb's and replace the impeller just to be safe, with some elbow grease and tlc I should have a nice boat soon!!  Junebugman

If the boat does not have a working water pressure gauge, this is a must have item.

It is more important than a temperature gauge-which usually give false readings, or waiting for a overheat alarm which could be damaging to the motor.

You should never run your motor without at least 12 PSI water pressure at WOT (wide open throttle)

My motor runs 22-25 psi at WOT, and 10-12 PSI at idle.

After you have installed the new impeller, if your water pressure is low, you will need to check your engine height on the transom. The motor or jack plate might be up to high and need to be lowered.

If the boat has a hydraulic jack plate, do not raise it too high, you will starve the motor of cooling water.