Mercury 90hp Saltwater 120 hours how long will it last?

William R. Karnuk · 10-12-2009, 06:40 PM

I have found the boat I'm looking for,however, it has a 2002 Mercury 90hp saltwater outboard that looks in perfect shape. It has seen most of its use on the upper Chesapeake which is fresh water. The seller says the engine has between 100 and 120 hours lifetime, If this is true how many more hours can I exspect from this engine in mostly salt water. Never owned an outboard and no nothing about this engine, any info would be appreciated.

jeffro22 · 10-12-2009, 07:45 PM

1000 hours wouldn't be out of the question. maybe more with proper maintanance

BigPumper · 10-12-2009, 08:26 PM

Engines that are older with very low hours often fail. Its a really bad idea to leave an outboard sitting.

hhi angler · 10-13-2009, 07:15 AM

Merc has been building this tough engine for years. Like jeffro said. Be sure to drain the lower unit and check for water in the oil.

SweetD · 10-13-2009, 07:21 AM

100-120 hours is relatively low. If you are not mechanically inclined, it would be very worthwhile to have a marine mechanic give the motor a "tune-up"...change lower unit oil, change out water pump and impellar, check cylinder compression, change plugs, grease fittings, make sure you are running fresh gas thru it, check hoses, etc...a big "once-over".

Then just annual maintenance and you should have a motor that lasts you quite a while...good luck!

Dave

A Few Dollars · 10-13-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffro22

1000 hours wouldn't be out of the question. maybe more with proper maintanance

beenie · 10-13-2009, 08:50 AM

I have a 2005 like it on mine. It runs great, is not bad on fuel for an old carbed engine, and with proper flushing and maintenance should last for many years. I think that 1000 hr figure is way too low. I hope to get many times more than that.
Mike

SeaJay · 10-14-2009, 10:26 AM

That engine should have lots of use left. Better that it has only 100 hours rather than several thousand.