TOPIC: 1976 Merc 850

hey fellas,

I have the opportunity to pick up a 76 850 for a couple/few hundred bucks. It runs and has controls. Owner says it needs crank seals, it bogs down at about 2200 rpms. Aside from that, Is this a desirable motor to have?
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Jim

The 2200 RPM bog could be due to a high side of the stator failure that can be determined by a series of ohms tests.
I think this actual happens at about 2500 RPMs.
Even compressions are always a hint that it might not be so bad inside, but even compressions & low leak-down tests can not always insure the rings & pistons are good to go.
Another cause for a 2200 RPM bog, 'could' be due to too lean of idle jet settings, or someone may have installed a 2:1 lower unit rather than a 2.31:1 ratio.
My money is one the stator.
I really like the 850 4 cyl.
Doc

im thinkin maybe crank seals, Im gonna go for . I ll keep ya posted.
Thanks for your input.