Merc 850 - Is it worth the trouble?

[BoatDope]

I bought an old Crestliner Muskie that came with 1974 Merc 850. This motor is in pretty rough shape. I have no idea when the last time it was ran, But I am sure it was a very long time ago. Its a ploy closer to being scrap than being my trusty companion. All the wiring under the bonnet is trashed/corroded. I will have to replace interior harness and all, electrical/ignition. (Distributer cap and plug wires are only surviving ignition gear). Also, the gear case was cracked and welded at some point. The weld goes across the threads for the large retention ring that holds the gears in place. Lots of oil leaking. I sprayed some oil in the cylinders and compression tested it. 110 on all cylinders except the bottom one. I have not figured out how to get the compression meter attached in that cylinder that's tucked down into the cowling. Am I wasting time? Any advice? Any ideas? Hecklers? Feedback of all kinds will go a long way to help me decide and will be gladly recieved. trying to figure out how to post images. As soon as I figure it out Ill psh some in.

 

[XS POWER]

You cant even give em away down here

 

[racerone]

You get 12 cents / lb here.

 

[BoatDope]

You cant even give em away down here

Hmmm? Yeah that is what I was thinking. Was just hoping there would be a good market for used parts and it might work out. This is the second reply. Same Same...
Thanks

 

[XS POWER]

Sounds like its had a hard life take it to the scrapper and get some grog money

 

[haventaclue]

Pull the dissy first, carefully, if it's good you'll get $100 for it

 

[faztbullet]

+1 on dizzy if harness not rotten