Is going from 115hp to 140hp worth it?

**derekfl** · 06-28-2023, 03:44 AM

sometimes looking on FB and craigs for bass boats will yield a boat that is not worth saving that has a live motor on it. and a trailer to sell off once the hull is gone too...

**Spaceman Spiff** · 07-02-2023, 10:40 PM

Great. Now the lower unit on my Mariner is failing. After I replaced the oil and noticed metal on the magnet it started to slip. I can still get to top speed, but it's like driving a car with a slipping clutch. I mangled the prop and knocked off much of the skeg in shallow water about a month ago. But it behaved fine for several outings since then. Until I changed the oil. So now a new motor isn't just an upgrade; it's a must.

**OnPad** · 07-02-2023, 10:44 PM

Bum deal!!
Make sure you hub isn't just spun on the prop.
On the upside, your area seems to have a good selection of used engines, and parts.

**derekfl** · 07-03-2023, 04:40 AM

pretty much has to be either the prop or the top of driveshaft where it splines into the motor. first bum a prop-any prop to see if it accelerates. then pull the lower unit and check the spline on top of shaft and shine a flashlight or borescope type cam up to check the female spline in bottom of crankshaft.

**Spaceman Spiff** · 07-03-2023, 09:17 AM

Unfortunately, I have tried multiple props to no avail.

**derekfl** · 07-03-2023, 03:45 PM

They all act the same? U need a crankshaft. These towers are nice motors until they need major work. Then it is time to give up on them. Look around though. There are parts motors all over, but pulling the crank outta the block is more than it is worth.

**derekfl** · 07-04-2023, 04:42 AM

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ssenger_banner *** https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...a-ff5d040a52df *** https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...0-37fff9cd8e32

**Spaceman Spiff** · 07-06-2023, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by derekfl

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ssenger_banner *** https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...a-ff5d040a52df *** https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...0-37fff9cd8e32

Thanks for that. That looks interesting. I have never been on FB. I'll have my wife message that person later today and see if he wants mine.
I did find a pair of Johnson 140s for sale. One is 1987 and the other is 1994, so both prop rated. Probably pick one up this weekend if I can get a good price.

**Scream And Fly** · 07-06-2023, 10:04 AM

If that 140 is complete and in good running condition (make sure you check that distributor belt!) and you can buy it for less than $500 that would be very cheap insurance to have if your 115 wipes out its crank and/or block. Like derekfl said, these are very old motors now and having a spare is something to consider. As for performance of the engines, I think the 140 and 115 will be very close, assuming the 140 runs well. Of course like others said, a V6 would be a tremendous improvement over the 115, most especially because that boat is not a very light hull and the added torque of the V6 would get that boat up on plane much faster than the 115. Even if you found an old 150 or 135 Merc V6, the performance gains over the 115 will be significant.

**pcrussell50** · 07-06-2023, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by Scream And Fly

Of course like others said, a V6 would be a tremendous improvement over the 115, most especially because that boat is not a very light hull and the added torque of the V6 would get that boat up on plane much faster than the 115. Even if you found an old 150 or 135 Merc V6, the performance gains over the 115 will be significant.

I started as an Evinrude guy and resisted the pull (pun intended) of the Merc V6. It was futile. LOL.

-Peter

**Will hedrick** · 07-07-2023, 08:33 AM

I grew up in omc motors myself, heck I still got a2012 e tech 250 ho in my shop for a project one day maybe

**Spaceman Spiff** · 07-07-2023, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by pcrussell50

I started as an Evinrude guy and resisted the pull (pun intended) of the Merc V6. It was futile. LOL.

-Peter

For some weird reason, I'm not terribly interested in acceleration. Just top speed. The opposite of my dyno-tuned, turbo Subaru.
I found a 1976 135hp Evinrude complete for $300. Hasn't run in awhile. Since I have a 1977 115 parts engine, I'm gonna grab that and put it on a stand and bring it back to life for a spare. I also have the 1976 Johnson 115 on my Tahiti. But I'm also gonna get either the 87 or 94 Johnson 140hp looper to put on my Larson. Probably this weekend.

**Spaceman Spiff** · 07-09-2023, 05:28 PM

Happy 100th post to me! And it is a happy one. I got the 1994 Johnson 140 on there. I just need to hook up the tach and the tilt/trim on the controls and I'm ready to roll!