150 or 200??? That IS the question!!.....

[marin220]

So I'm new to the mercury world. I purchased a 1986 merc "150" a few weeks ago for a project boat ive been working on. The motor came with no controls. I was told i needed a solenoid and also to finish some electrical wires the guy before me had broke. I purchased a manual (SELOC merc) and went to town. The more i looked at the wiring diagram the more i noticed it was more like the 200 model. Here are some photos of the motor. I do have the vin but the first two numbers are missing.
Thanks everyone-Chris, Massachusetts

 

[Plainsman]

Re: 150 or 200??? That IS the question!!.....

Without a serial number, it's guess work.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: 150 or 200??? That IS the question!!.....

The serial number would be helpful. How do you know it is a 1986? Also, why is there a pipe screwed into the top (behind the flywheel)?

 

[marin220]

Re: 150 or 200??? That IS the question!!.....

Where would the sn# be located? on the block? I was told that this was a 1986 Merc blac max 150

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: 150 or 200??? That IS the question!!.....

The serial number will be located somewhere on the bracket the motor is mounted to; probably on the starboard side upper corner.​

 

[marin220]

Re: 150 or 200??? That IS the question!!.....

Thanks Guys, The sn# is where you told me it would be, The bad news is it has been painted over. I successfully removed the paint to find the the numbers are missing. Sticker in tact but the outside layer is worn.....no #'s. Whats my next step??

 

[Plainsman]

Re: 150 or 200??? That IS the question!!.....

Sometimes you will find it stamped on the block. Mine is on the starboard side near the back on the block.

 

[marin220]

Re: 150 or 200??? That IS the question!!.....

sorry for the delay.....i do not have additional sn#'s on the block. I do have the inprinted numbers on the block as you do. (the numbers above the sn plate) should i just bring this baby to a shop?? thanks for pointing me in the right direction.-chris

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 150 or 200??? That IS the question!!.....

Chris, I was looking at a couple of those motors ('84 and an '86)yesterday at a boat dealer. I found that the serial numbers were stamped into a silver freeze plug on top of the cylinder banks. On the older motor it was on the post side. On the newer motor it was on the starboard side. You can also tell by the type of power trim. If you have the external pump and two trim cylinders it is one of the earliest models ('78-82??). If you have the external pump and the single cylinder between the transom brackets it is the middle years (83-85??) and if the trim has the pump and three cylinders between the transom brackets, it is the newer '86+ style.