87 merc 1400

**Cansasky** · 07-18-2018, 10:57 AM

Howdy all.
Wondering if anyone has some info on my for my late 80's merc 1400. Just bought it last year, compression was reasonable but I cooked the top piston 2nd time out. Long story longer ive since torn it down, block is now .30 over, new bearings etc throughout , pistons and connecting rods are all balanced. Anyway I've been lurking on here a while and have heard talk of composite read blocks for these things, does anyone have any info on where I can get my hands on a set or if it's worth it? Also curious if anyone has any other suggestions while I have it apart for a bit more go?
Cheers

**crazy horse** · 07-18-2018, 01:41 PM

Your going to have to post up some more info. The last 1400 Merc was built from 78 to 81. There also was a early 1400 in 72 it would have a distributor. Never have seen composite reed blocks for a inline. I don't know why someone would want them but if they are out there someone on here will know.

**rhardwick** · 07-18-2018, 05:46 PM

I think Chris Carson makes composite reeds for the Merc inlines.

Crazy horse is correct on the years the 140 was built. The 1972 140 was a 1973 150 without the power port pistons and block.

**Cansasky** · 07-18-2018, 06:30 PM

My mistake, it's as I said a merc 1400, sn# is 7112915, I'm assuming the 7 is a canadian designation?

**rhardwick** · 07-18-2018, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by Cansasky

My mistake, it's as I said a merc 1400, sn# is 7112915, I'm assuming the 7 is a canadian designation?

You are correct, that is a Canada designation, same engine.

**Cansasky** · 07-18-2018, 06:36 PM

Only reason I ask about the composite block is that I read somewhere that's about all you can do to these things for a bit of extra juice, i might be mistaken.
I dont want to get into modding the exhaust , just wondering if there is anything one would recommend while i have it apart. The hull is a 70's glastron ssv178 and heavy as all hell

**crazy horse** · 07-18-2018, 06:48 PM

Going by your sn# it's a 1978. Did you mean composite reeds or blocks? I've been running plastic reeds for years. I don't think composite blocks would work, Lots of thin areas in them.The part I don't like about composite or plastic reeds in a inline is they are a pain to change if ya chip one. I've been pretty lucky over the years. I broke a pretty good chunk off one a long time back and it made it though my old girl without bustin nuttin else. I sure was happy about that.

**Cansasky** · 07-18-2018, 06:54 PM

Reads, sorry the blocks themselves are in good enough shape, just noticed yesterday as I was assembling the crank that a few of them are not seating, can see daylight through them.. not sure if this is typical but figured I'd if I have to replace them anyway why not go with something aftermarket

**Cansasky** · 07-18-2018, 06:56 PM

So do you think a plastic or composite read would be worth it in my situation, I dont want to tear this thing down again for many years, luck willing

**crazy horse** · 07-18-2018, 08:28 PM

I don't think you need them. If your turning it tighter than 6 grand then maybe. If you run the stock reeds I don't think you will have any problems. I would find a set of new stainless reeds if possible. The reeds will stand off the block and you might see a little light between the reed and the block. When the engine is runnin the crankcase pressure pulse will close them. Make sure your not runnin to much timing, With the fuel we get now you really can't run the timing as high as we did back when we all ran high test leaded gas. Sunoco 260 made my inline very happy.

**Cansasky** · 07-19-2018, 02:58 PM

Well I certainly appreciate the advice I'll go ahead and toss this thing back together as is. With any luck you won't hear back until I cant figure out how to tune the carbs

Cheers!