I have a 200 Merc from the mid 80's
the crank is toasted and it has a hole in the block --it's BLOWN...
I doubt there is a significant core value --
Soooo-- when shopping for a remanufactured powerhead, are there any points i need to be aware of, or maybe some questions to ask so I can weed out the hacks from the pros?
What kind of warranty should I expect from a professional rebuilder?
Why are most engines overhauled (major failure, worn out, cylinder problems?)
I am prepared to spend about $2500-- is this enough or too much?
Sounds like you don't have too much of a core but some rebuilders will still give you something for it.
When my customers have your problem I always recommend hunting down a rebuildable powerhead, then off to machine shop and back to my work-bench for rebuild.
In doing this I know everything is done properly.
When I rebuild powerheads I warranty them for 1 year normal use and 90 days commercial use.
After all, how great would a ninety day warranty be at the tail end of a boating season?
A few years back a customer ordered a rebuilt(V-6 merc) powerhead from somewhere near you, I think.
I installed it for him and it wouldn't run.
After removing both cylinder heads I found two starrboard pistons installed on port side of engine.
When we contacted the remanufacturer all they wanted to do was have him re-crate and ship P-head back to them for repair.
He decided to instead pay me to correct the problem.
By the way, they had reinstalled many old parts that I would have replaced such as needle bearings and a slightly scuffed piston with only new rings.
I can't remember the company but if you like I'll try to contact him and find out; I'm sure he remembers!
That said, and since I don't use remanufactured P-heads, you should talk to some dealers or individuals who have purchased from the company before you buy one.
I would personally hunt me a used motor with a P-head you can rebuild so then you will know what's going in it.
You might get lots of other stuff to keep for future use as in trim and lower-unit parts in the deal.
Rebuilding a decent used P-head is often less expensive than prices I've seen for remanufactured ones and IMHO the best route to take and often less than $2500.00.
