Wait for Motor to break or Repower boat?

I looking for some advice on what to do. I currently have a 68 14 fiberglass runabout that is my primary fishing boat. Last year I started hearing a ticking in the lower unit.(The motors a 69 evnirude 85hp with hydroelectric shift). I priced out a new lower unit and it runs about 400 from twin cities outboard. I’m wondering if I should hold out until the motor breaks and then put a new lower unit in, or should I look for a newer motor for the boat. Any advice on this would be appreciated. Thanks

My cousin Gary had one of those on his duck boat and the motors run good. I think those motors have the electric solenoids in the lower unit like you said. If it does do it now instead of breaking down on the river. If you have to go, fish up river so you can drift down to the ramp. If it was me i found its easier to repair it off the water than to get stuck without a tow on the river. $400 a little high to me but your around the cities too so it might be par, probably is. They made alot of those motors so theres bound to be a few around in the diffrent marinas and repair places, check around and see.

No way would I spend $400 to fix a motor that old. Secondly….do you really want to have the motor break down when you are out on the water? Replace it now, sell the old while its still running! I’m not sure where you are located, but I know of a couple mid 80 to 90 motors that are available.

I agree that you should find out what the problem is. There is nothing worse than getting stuck without help.

To fix it or re-power is up to you. Do you want to spend the money for a new/used engine now? Do you know if you really need a new lower unit? Maybe the one you have needs a minor repair??? If the engine is in good condition and you have confidence in it, I wouldn’t hesitate to fix it. If you buy a used engine, you will have some unknowns. If you buy a new engine, you get a nice new warranty. The downside is the $3500 – $5500 to replace an engine in that range.