1978 1500xs, $2900

[rc71]

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!

[rc71]

Reducing asking price to $2400, or best offer.

I haven't had time to update compression numbers or fire it up yet, but will give an update if/when I'm able to get to it.

Thank you!

[Doug@atlanticfirebric.com]

I would be Buyer at 800.00
I would assume frt.
this motor would need a rebuild based on the history and compression numbers showing
let me know

[SS170]

I would be Buyer at 800.00
I would assume frt.
this motor would need a rebuild based on the history and compression numbers showing
let me know

I would too

[rc71]

Thanks for the offer guys. Looks like maybe I've overvalued this motor a bit I'll let you know if I get to the point of selling for that price, but will hold on to it for now, I guess. Thanks again!

[ZiemerSTV]

$1000 Max

[skatertom]

I'll give you $1,200.00. I'll pay freight to NH if you can mount it to a pallet.

[SS170]

Why are you guys beating this guy up on his motor? PARTED OUT it's worth $2000-$2500. Mid-$800, LU-$500-$750, Louvered wrap-$400 all day long, intact J block that probably just needs rings-$500-$750. This is a vintage collectable motor. You may think it's "old inline junk" but try and find any of this stuff. Ebay? When you do, these prices are the going rate.

[rc71]

SS170, thanks for your assessment of value. But no worries... I am open to offers, and don't mind learning what others are willing to offer/pay, even if it's lower than what I'm ready to sell it for at this point. Thanks!

[99fxst99]

Why are you guys beating this guy up on his motor? PARTED OUT it's worth $2000-$2500. Mid-$800, LU-$500-$750, Louvered wrap-$400 all day long, intact J block that probably just needs rings-$500-$750. This is a vintage collectable motor. You may think it's "old inline junk" but try and find any of this stuff. Ebay? When you do, these prices are the going rate.

Yes, what he said!!
They don’t build these anymore....

[rc71]

One last offer to the group, before I list this on ebay. Asking $1900 or best offer. Ebay price will be higher due to fees. PM soon if you're interested.

I fired it up today, and hearing it run makes it so much harder to let it go . Took a little premix sprayed into the carb to get it fired the first time, but then started on the first click of the key after that. Carburetors may need some work to improve cold starting, but seemed to idle ok once started. Also got the #6 compression at 115.

[Stryder21]

Rc 71 would like to talk to you about xs1500 804 815 2701

[rc71]

Rc 71 would like to talk to you about xs1500 804 815 2701

Left you a voicemail for you. Give me a call back at your convenience.