DaubsNU1 Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 It's a 1974 Mercury 200 | 20hp two stroke I purchased in 2000.  I've changed the plugs a few times, and the lower unit oil. Replaced the water pump in 2020. That's it, nothing more. Carburetor has always leaked a little, but it starts and runs well. Pushes my boat to 20MPH. It's never been to any shop / marine mechanic.  End of last season, noticed leak from the lower unit. Decided it was time to have a someone more qualified check her out.  Shop called yesterday, said water in the lower unit, needs all new seals down there. Said compression was good, everything else looked pretty good.  All the needed repairs will be in neighborhood of ~$500....asked what I wanted to do.  I said fix it. Might as well.  It's served me well for 23 years, I have spent less than $100 in in the motor over that time.  Heck, the boat, motor, and trailer cost me $600 in 2000.   Glad I got it to the mechanic while there is still ice on the water.   4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airshot Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 Much cgeaper than buying a new one, and probably goes faster! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex from GA Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 I have a '73 on a 14' glass boat. Great engine. It's not hard to reseal the lower unit if it's not been used in salt water. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airshot Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 Go price a new one....that repair bill will appear cheap!! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User MN Fisher Posted March 6 Super User Share Posted March 6 On 2/25/2023 at 8:24 AM, DaubsNU1 said: All the needed repairs will be in neighborhood of ~$500....asked what I wanted to do.  I said fix it. Might as well. Good choice - my refurbished '73 Evinrude 25hp cost me $700. $500 to repair what's been a good motor for you is money well spent in my book. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looking45 Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Have them change the impeller if it hasn’t been changed lately Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaubsNU1 Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 8 hours ago, looking45 said: Have them change the impeller if it hasn’t been changed lately  Yep, they are changing the impeller.  I changed it two years ago for the first time since getting the boat in 2000(!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaubsNU1 Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 Shop called today, got the old Merc squared away. Carburetor issue was a stuck needle / seat. He went ahead and installed the carb kit I purchased a few years back, but never got around to. Said good thing I got it in...lots of water in the lower unit. All squared away with new seals, water impeller...good to go. Said the pull rope was in great shape. No need to replace. $520 Heading to pick it up after work today. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airshot Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Keep us posted on how it works! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex from GA Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 It'll be good for another 23 years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Bird Posted March 11 Super User Share Posted March 11 That motor could tell a few stories 😂 Glad she's still kick'n. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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