Mercury 2.5 Hp problems

[Goodwood]

I purchased a new Mercury 2 ˝ Hp outboard motor in June 2009. I use it to push a 100lb plywood tender. Within 1 month I had a problem as oil was dripping from the bottom of the leg. I went thru Mercury and a local Mercury repair shop who determined that the powerhead should be replaced. However 2 hours of running post repairs the same leak is back (no leaking straight after the repair) and the pull cord jammed. For a motor that has less that 20hours total on it - reliable is not a word that comes to mind.

What is the the popular concensus regarding this engine? Did I just buy a lemon or should I stay the course with Mercury?

Many thanks

[Omatako]

I have owned two of these (on different boats) and I have two freinds who still have them and none of us has had any real problems with them. They're actually really simple devices.

My only repair in probably 7 years of use was a fuel tap which is in any case just light plastic and the fact that they don't break more often is amazing.

They are in our experience good little engines.

[flitemdic]

I have a 2005 model I bought "new in the box" in 2008. I oiled it up, put mix in, and it has not given me a single moment's trouble since. I push our boat in and out of the marina with it. Maybe a lemon?