Merc 'Black Max' 150

Burnett · 19-11-2005, 12:23 AM

Evening All.

Just had a good poke around the forums, but I couldn't find anything so I thought I'd ask the experts:

Mercury Xr2 'Black Max' (150 horsepower) from about 1990 or so. What are your opinions guys? Good engine, or avoid at all costs?
And if it is worth a look, what are the things to keep an eye out for?
I'm a decent DIY mechanic with a lot of 2-Stroke experience on karts and bikes, but marine engines are new to me. I've heard they run a bit hot, but not much else other than that.

Any advice would be very welcome.

Cheers!

Steve · 19-11-2005, 09:05 AM

Ran one of these XR2 150s on the back of a Phantom 18 for 4/5 years & found it to be an excellent engine.

The engine itself is a relatively straight forward design, was reliable & pretty good on fuel.

The only problem I had was the engine mounts which had to be replaced.

Never experienced any overheating problems.

Like all marine engines they just need looking after.

michaelcaine · 19-11-2005, 09:34 AM

whats speeds were you getting?

Steve · 19-11-2005, 10:18 AM

Just over 60mph using a 23p Laser 2

BluFin · 19-11-2005, 10:33 AM

Simple , easy to work on & set up cheap parts (well sort of)
I like it though dated in design it was the base for other models that followed with FI, EFI, BCCI, MFI & B&Q ...............

michaelcaine · 19-11-2005, 10:53 AM

what sort of money are you looking at for a good one,did they do a 200hp as well?

Burnett · 19-11-2005, 08:24 PM

Yep. Simple and fairly grunty. That'll do for me! This one's attached to a 16ft Ring, so it should be nippy enough for a bit of fun.
The overheating problems I read about were (On closer inspection) found on a U.S. website, so perhaps the American spec units have some unique problems (Or they just can't be bothered to flush the thing out with muffs after use).

It seemks as long as I go for something well known (Merc, Johnnie, Tohatsu, Yamaha, etc) I won't go far wrong.

Just need to avoid 'Force' and the like, or any of those units with the blue and white vertical striped cowling and the graphic 'Tesco Value outboard' on the side

roofer · 19-11-2005, 08:50 PM

I'd leave jonnie alone as well.

Burnett · 19-11-2005, 10:24 PM

Yeah, I think I'll be sticking with the 2 strokes to be honest.

Johnson? Nah. I'll be an Evin-'Rude Bwoi'

Off to have a look at it soon, so we'll see what happens.