PLEASE HELP! Was I sold a garbage 2006 Mercury 250 Pro XS??

[Nitro_901]

Not long ago I purchased a 2006 Mercury 250 Pro XS from someone on Facebook Marketplace. And while I knew it had spent time in saltwater, I was reassured there's was nothing wrong with it, and had been regularly flushed. Upon receiving it, and closer inspection, there's a few things that are concerning me. I'm praying it's either normal, or nothing to be concerned about, yet my gut feels differently. I've attached some pics of the most concerning findings. Also, on the starboard side of the block, at the bottom, there's a nipple, looks like someone just cut the hose off, can anyone tell me what should connect there? I took a picture of the pee hole, sure looks like it's been a while since it was last ran, the fact that it's closed up with dirt.

Sorry if these are trivial questions, just have that sick to my stomach feeling that I just blew $5,000 on this motor. I greatly appreciate anyone's help on this.

Respectfully,
Anthony

[boostalmighty]

the corrosion doesnt look too good, but best i can tell that sensor needs to be connected to that nipple, the sensor is water pressure and usually that sensor is connected to the port side of where that hose barb is but either side is the same.

[boostalmighty]

did you at least do compression test? how many hours on that engine?

[mrichartz]

Saltwater can really suck.. People say it was flushed regularly.. but then forget to mention that they left it in the water for a few weeks at a time...
Like he said have you done the compression test yet that's one of the first things check the oil in a lower unit have you even run it yet or no?. Sounds like you're going to have to do some testing and investigating first.
everybody could guess all day long but until you actually comp test etc take it apart and look at it it's hard to say..

[2jz]

I tried to warn u about doing buying saltwater motor in that shape for 20in midsection conversion
Nothing looks out of place from pictures besides really bad corrosion. Hose cut is for boat oil tank hose hookup. Sensor is for Smartcraft mph. I'd run compression test before going further just to make sure you start getting deep into it

[Nitro_901]

No, I've not performed a compression test yet, I was out at the boat last night, plugging in the Mercury harness adapter since the plugs are different. While out there I was looking over it, and saw the corrosion on the one head. I was hoping there was a water hose that hooks up at the top of the head, and water ran down the head, as opposed to a head gasket issue, something else that major. I know it's speculation at this point, I wasn't sure about the corrosion, and wanted to ask in case it's one of those things that screams something in particular.

2jz, I didn't know about needing to do a midsection conversion until after I bought, and took possession of the motor, another rookie mistake on my part, and the conversion issue alone would've absolutely changed the outcome of this motor. Another rookie mistake was my wanting to think most people are honest, and trustworthy, and if there was any major issues, and I asked, that he'd have shot me straight. But the fact that he drove almost 9 hours to deliver this 2006 Mercury 250 Pro XS for $4500 should've raised some concern, another rookie mistake, being naive when cynical wouldn't protected me a bit more.

That sensor connecting to the nipple with the cutoff hose, doesn't make sense that'd be cut, the sensor looks like it takes the small plastic tubing used for MPH gauges. I appreciate everyone's time to respond to my panicking state of mind, I'm really hoping, and praying I didn't get taken to the cleaners with this purchase. Otherwise I'm $10K in for a $5K rig.

[25two.stroke]

Yeah that water pressure gauge does use the same hose as the speedos on 3.0L motors use. The kind that just slides inside the fitting. You don't need that, and if the hose is cot off it could be cause those quick connect fittings can leak and spray all over. So the last owner coulda just cut it off, got rid of the factory T connector and just run straight hose to fix a leak. Run the thing on a hose first thing and see if you see any leaks. Sometimes excessive salt buildup like that is from water getting in the cowl vents...not anything wrong with the motor. Run it. If it seems to run fine then do a compression test to see where you're at. Post a pic of all 6 plugs when you have them out doing the compression test.

[rock]

Water jacket leaks at the heads is not uncommon even for fresh water motors. If compression is good I would not worry alot about it.

Rock

[Nitro_901]

I REALLY appreciate everyone's time, I've been about as bummed/pissed (with myself) thinking the worst, that I bought an anchor/yard-art. Definitely getting ahead of myself, that's where "time" isn't friendly, too much down time = too much thinking, which turns into overthinking, and it grows one cancer, exponentially.

First and foremost I'll get it hooked up, and run it, secondly, a compression test, and I'll take pics of plugs and readings. Which should tell a decent story about it's current state. So happy to hear about a water jacket leaking a bit, or over-spray under the cowl, at least it settles my nerves a bit.

Thanks again everyone!

[Nitro_901]

Anyone know where I can find a proper Mercury Service Manual for this particular motor, year and model??

[mrichartz]

Usually ebay has them.. mech., marinas etc selling clearing out etc have always found what i needed and always found them in excellent condition.
Amazon probably will too

[2jz]

Optimax Motors don't have water jackets or did I miss something

[rock]

All outboards have a water jacket. How else ya gonna cool it.

Rock

[boostalmighty]

im curious about those compression numbers, when is OP gonna mount the engine?

[2jz]

All outboards have a water jacket. How else ya gonna cool it.

Rock

Would you mind posting a picture of it on 3.0l optimax