Testing the waters... 1978 Mercury 1500XS for sale. Asking $2900 or best offer.
J Block, S/N 4868871 (matches S/N on transom bracket).
Lower unit w/ low water pickup.
Compression numbers taken quickly in January with cold motor and closed throttle...
#1 119
#2 120
#3 120
#4 119
#5 116
#6 (Couldn't access it with my gauge fittings, but spark plug looked like the rest)
I plan to start the motor, repeat the compression test soon with motor warmed up and throttle open, and try to get #6 also, and will report back.
I haven’t personally run this motor, as I recently acquired it in January. Previous owner stated he owned it for the last 10 years and was the 3rd owner. He disclosed the motor has a persistent problem with hard starts when cold and fouled spark plugs, but said it starts and runs great once warm. It was on a 17’ runabout used primarily for fishing (trolling!) and occasionally pulling a tube, etc. This was primarily done at Henry's Lake in Idaho (elevation roughly 6500') using a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio, and a 17” pitch prop. I imagine the fouled plugs are due to the combination of altitude, lots of idling/trolling, and fuel/oil ratio. The PO did say he thought it may have been re-jetted, so it may need correct jets to be put back to true 1500XS specs.
The motor has the original, short mid section, but was fitted with a 4" shaft extension. I've removed the extension, and confirmed the lower unit still has the short driveshaft. (It had a driveshaft extension, which I've removed. Also removed the water tube extension, and shift shaft extension.) I've removed the long studs and replaced with studs from another motor for the lower unit to bolt up properly.
The gear case is correct with low water pickup, but the cavitation plate has been drilled for a trolling plate. The cavitation plate also has a slight bend in one spot.
The original pull start rope is still attached in it’s bag inside the front cover. Louver screens inside cowl are still intact.
This motor doesn’t have power trim/tilt, but I do have a set of rams and pump available from another motor, if desired (not working, rough condition).
Reason for selling is I don't think I'll use it the way it was meant to be used. (And it hasn't been for many years it seems). It's such a cool motor, but I've recently picked up several other inline 6's. I think I'll enjoy restoring/using those just as much, and could use the funds for other projects.
I’d prefer pick-up in person at my location in Springville, Utah, but may be willing to deliver or meet within a few hundred miles. I don’t know how to ship one of these, but would consider it at your cost and with your instructions. I have an engine hoist on hand ready to load the motor when picked up.
Sorry for the long listing! Just trying to give a little detail. Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you’d like pics of anything specific, etc… I’m fairly new to the world of mercury inline 6 motors (though have great memories of them from my youth), so I look forward to whatever input/feedback there may be on this. Thanks for looking!
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