1985 Mercury Black Max 200hp Opinion

[Action-18]

Very excited to pick up this motor. For my level of speedster it is the perfect motor for the perfect deal.
A lot of you guys here really know your stuff and I have seen opinions on specific years and models as to different bearings, electronics, and gearcases as to what are strengths and weaknesses. Any opinions? And what would you consider it, a 2.4? Anything I should keep an eye on? Sweet spots, out of the hole? Thanks, Joe

[Scream And Fly]

Joe, that's a very good engine, and when properly maintained, extremely reliable. It is indeed a 2.4 litre. Make sure you run good oil in it, at least 40:1.

Greg

[Capt.Insane-o]

First item of buisness.......put a new impeller in it. Like Greg said, good gas, good oil.

[stevenolms]

I'm running an old 2.4 on my 18 action right now. It has been modified without lightening and balencing. I'm using all stock parts and running 7500 for several miles at a time. I use premium fuel and 40:1 Klotz synthetic. Very reliable motor.

[Action-18]

Hey, great to hear and thanks for the fuel/oil advice, it will be done!
Definitely an impeller.
OK, one more, if you were to do any mods what would be the priority list? My guess would be a Nosecone and solid mounts.

Thanks again
Joe

[Scream And Fly]

Joe, if it were my engine, this is what I would do:


Remove the heads, and inspect everything. Replace them with new OEM head gaskets.
Check compression and leakdown.
Change the entire water pump assembly.
Check all bleed lines for cracking or leaks.
After all of that, solid mounts and dual steering are a must.
Greg ;)

[Action-18]

Makes perfect sense, Maintain before Modification.


The variable oiler must go, I at least know that much.

[Scream And Fly]

Yes, certainly - ditch the oil injection and get the proper block-off plate.

You'll be surprised at how much power those 200s make.

Greg

[wideglide55]

By all means install a water separating fuel filter while you're getting it ready,a little bit o poop in fuel Black Max go BOOOM!!!!!!!

[Action-18]

Geeze, you know how many times I was at the parts counter at the Marina and said "OK, this is the LAST dollar I am going to spend on that boat THIS YEAR"?
I said it at the Harley Dealer just as many.
I lost count. I am just going to give them my checkbook and they can just tell me when it runs dry.
Very good suggestion on the filter, had not thought of it. Thanks.

[The Big Al]

You still have money in the checking account!:rolleyes:

Now your not trying hard enough!:D

Now, when you start asking them to hold it for ya!
And write it the day before payday!
Then your doing the boat some good!!!:eek:

But, never never let the other half know!

Are that new boat could become ya bed!!

Hummm! Not a bad idea!!!

Al

Good luck with ya new 200! Run it like ya stole it!!:)
Trim it up! Let er eat!!!:cool:

[transomstand]

Geeze, you know how many times I was at the parts counter at the Marina and said "OK, this is the LAST dollar I am going to spend on that boat THIS YEAR"?


You can only say that about 2 seconds before the ball finishes dropping on New Years Eve.(And be telling the truth)
One mod you might want to consider that's free. Get rid of the timing advance module(s). There have been a few cases of melt downs when those things went wacky.

Pete

[Action-18]

Really! :(

So, what replaces it then?
I have the service manual and will pick at it tonight.
Thanks much.

[transomstand]

Really! :(

So, what replaces it then?
I have the service manual and will pick at it tonight.
Thanks much.


That's the best part, you simply remove them and don't have to buy anything. Got to head out right now, more on this tonight.

Pete

[Action-18]

WOW, very cool! I am picking up the motor on Saturday in NJ

[Terry Jackson]

Those early & mid 80s 2.4 200s actually put out 219 hp form the factory, very strong. You won't be disappointed. The only weakness is no low end torque-no holeshot. Boyensen reeds & cutting the heads make a tremendoud difference on holeshot. Prop it to turn in the 6200 to 6400 range, they like to rev. Do not lug it under 5800 @ WOT.

[Action-18]

OK, gotcha, thanks for that info.
For now, until I get her really tightly dialled in I am thinking that I will just keep the 21p prop on her, get some hole shot, and worry about mods for top speed next season. For once in my life I guess I will be taking calculated steps to get somewhere.