Mercury Sportjet 175xr service advice, rebuild or replace motor

[db199]

I have a 2001 Mercury Sportjet 175xr in my Sugar Sand Mirage that I've had since new. Unfortunately I have lost compression in a couple of cylinders and it needs to be rebuilt or replaced. I have not had much luck in finding someone to do a rebuild/replacement on this motor in the Southeast US. I am looking for advice on who I may contact about possibly doing this job for me. I would prefer someone in the Southeast but I will take any advice I can get from anyone, anywhere. I live in Georgia. I love this boat and it is in pretty good shape and I want to keep her going. There's nothing else quite like her out there. Thank you.

 

[anmut]

Is that a four or two stroke? If two I'd say tear into it! Well, find parts first, but otherwise, get to it.

 

[db199]

Yes it is a 2 stroke(unless I am mistaken). I am comfortable doing some light automotive mechanical work but I have heard that if you don't do the rebuild correctly it will just kill the new/rebuilt engine. So I would probably prefer someone else that knows what they are doing to do the work even though it is expensive. If it is really that simple I would gladly tackle it but I'm nervous about wasting money if I mess something up. Plus I'm not sure I have the equipment necessary to handle the job. Thank you for your input.

 

[anmut]

Yes it is a 2 stroke(unless I am mistaken). I am comfortable doing some light automotive mechanical work but I have heard that if you don't do the rebuild correctly it will just kill the new/rebuilt engine. So I would probably prefer someone else that knows what they are doing to do the work even though it is expensive. If it is really that simple I would gladly tackle it but I'm nervous about wasting money if I mess something up. Plus I'm not sure I have the equipment necessary to handle the job. Thank you for your input.

Two strokes are pretty easy to rebuild in small engine / snowmobiles. I'd hate to give you incorrect advise as it pertains to a boat motor though. Have you done some research on Youtube?

 

[db199]

I have done some youtube searching but haven't found anyone doing a rebuild on a sportjet 175.

 

[the MfM]

Mercury sells powerheads. Probably cost 4-5k depending on where you order it from. Being a two stroke you need to know the cause of failure or you could ruin the new powerhead. I’d plan on rebuilding the carbs as well.

Part number 8M0115347

Sport Jet Powerheads - Quicksilver Products

www.quicksilver-products.com

 

[db199]

Thanks for the link. That's great info. However my main problem is finding someone willing to install it. No one seems to want to mess with these boats/motors anymore other than basic maintenance. Even the beloved mechanic that has been taking care of my boat for 20 years said no to the job.