Re: elec trouble with old blue band
Hey David, I own two 1969 Merc 1000(s), both short shafts. One is very low hours and nearly perfect engine that I have had for 10 - 12 years the other has only been in the "family" fer 10 months. #1 All 1969s were bright red bands and stated the 1000 or whatever size on the top cover. (That is how to tell a 1969 from a 1968.) #2 I bought the latest engine in Vancouver WA fer $350 in December 2006. It runs great, with even compression, and it had two fuel leaks, (this is normal as the pristine one leaked in the same two locations, as did my 1968 1250), I used factory lines from me silver block parts motors to fix the recent acqusition 1969 1000, and had to buy different brass fittings and build new gas line to fix my other 1969 1000. (I posted the parts #s on this forum). I also changed the wiring harness on the recent purchase, (which it may not have needed but the old one had been spliced and did not look very good). IT RUNS GREAT!
Since yer now lookin' fer another engine, I would try Craigslist. Here in Seattle during the winter a good 1150 or 115 can be had fer $300 to $500, a little more for PT. Ya don't want salty engines, (except as parts engines), as Mercs don't do soooooo good in a Salt Water environment. If yer boat can take 15 more HP, I would prolly look fer a distributer fired black block 1973 or 1974 to 1979, as the single fuel pump and filter is easier to service, and the fuel lines don't have the leaky old brass compression fittings. That said I am always interested in a good running 1967 and up 900, 950,1000, (90 cubic inch)1100, (94 cubic inch),1250 (100 cubic inch) 1150, 1350, 1400, 1500, 90, 115, 140 (all 100 cubic inch) to late 1980s 115, (the same as the 1981 140 and the 1982 and up 90 is the same as the 1981 and earlier 115). I don't like the pre 1967 as ya had to mess with points, (although they would still tempt me). I also favor the distributor fired engines 1979 was still distributor fired, (this maybe irrational fear of the unknown as my son has a 1981 115 that has six coils and it is OK too). The 1979 and up had a speedo pick up in the Lower Unit, (which has a larger gear oil capacity, and a sharper angle on the skeg).
Good luck, My overpriced $.02 JR
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