Merc 200 Question?

[H2oSki2Fast]

I'm looking at buying a boat with a "low hour" 200 merc on it. I'm not sure what year it is. I would like to know what the minimum compression for this engine should be? I'm new to Outboard tech stuff. Also, what other things should I look at? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dennis

[pyro]

I think the stock compression is supposed to be between 120-125. Mine is 15 years old, and is only between 110-118. It still runs good, and ran its best top end ever just a few weeks ago...
-chad

[squarles]

Not sure where you are located but elevation will make a difference also. Higher elevations will show a bit lower.

The main thing is all cylinders should be within 5 to 10 lbs of each other.

Stephen

[H2oSki2Fast]

Thanks guys,

I'm located in Southern California, so altitude won't be a factor. I'm very familiar with V8's, just don't really know much about specs on OB's. I figure that if the motor has "low hours" on it the compression should be fairly on the higher side of the spectrum (as far as stock goes). Plus I'm not sure if the motor is stock.