76 1500

[Chuck Mostaka]

Need some input, on this one. I just bought a Baha 18 with a 76 1500. The motor runs OK put it is old. Should I rebuild or replace the motor, Compression is 115 to 125 between the 6 holes. My thinking is to run it untill it dies or should I rebuild this thing. The boat is in great shape, I will use this as a small lake or river boat. 50 to 60 mph will work for me.
Can you still get parts, does anyone still work on them.
The only motors I have own is a 2.5 from 93 to 99. I have 0 knowledge on this one.
Chuck

[Raceman]

I'd recommend you do a search. There's a lot of inline info scattered around here.

Here's the short version:

Super Unleaded gas

Good oil mixed at 32:1 to 40:1 depending on your tolerance for smoke

Timing NOT OVER 21º

Pitch to turn MINIMUM of 5800 at full throttle. 6000 or more won't hurt. Anything much less than 5800 lugs engine/causes detonation/burns pistons.

Fresh waterpump all the time. Open cooling system doesn't have poppet valves like consumer V6 and weak pump causes pistons to stick.



Your compression numbers sound a little low, but not all techniques and guages are the same. 130's or more would be better on that engine and 115 sounds like it's getting some wear or some coked rings. Some people recommend spray additives through the carb throats to loosen up deposits and free sticky rings, but I've never tried it, so hesitant to recommend it.

Parts are still available and there ARE people around who'll still work on em. They're very durable engines when used within the parameters listed above, finicky when not.