Need A merc 1350 Lower Unit

[minlar1350]

I just bought a boat with a 1970 merc 1350 with 135 horsepower.
It needs a lower unit but I can not seem to find one. I was wondering if there is a lower unit from another model that will fit and is really easy to get a hold of. Please any info would really help me, I am pretty lost right now.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Need A merc 1350 Lower Unit

The unit off any inline 6 or large 4 cyl should bolt right up although some of the 4 cyl have different gear ratio's your ratio was 1.78 to 1 all the other inline 6's are 2 to 1 with the exception of the 70 and 71 1150's. The 2 to 1 units will work well but in some cases require re-propping.

 

[minlar1350]

Re: Need A merc 1350 Lower Unit

So any year would work or do I need to stay with an older model?
Thanks

 

[minlar1350]

Re: Need A merc 1350 Lower Unit

would something like this work
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERC...6909446QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

and do I have the longer shaft or shorter. Also what is a good website to find one. I would rather not get one from ebay or craigslist. Thanks!

 

[Laddies]

Re: Need A merc 1350 Lower Unit

Yes that would work, any inline should work. You probably have a long shaft, measure from the clamp bracket down to the cavitation plate a long shaft is about 20" and a short about 15"

 

[OldMercsRule]

Re: Need A merc 1350 Lower Unit

I generally buy an entire parts engine. They are fairly inexpensive in the Seattle Metro area so it depends on where you live and can shop. The 1960s (black engines) from the 4 cylinder 650 up to 1988 would be the engines to look for.

As Laddies said: yours was a 1.78-1 and most years the inline 6s were 2.00-1, some of the 1970s 4 cylinders were 2.3-1. All would fit yours. the different gear ratios may need a different prop. In 1979 and up the LUs were a little sharper angle with slightly larger gear oil capacity, and better more corrosion resistent metal in the drive shafts and the speedo pick up were in the LU too.

For that reason 1979 and up would be what I would look for. Good luck JR

 

[minlar1350]

Re: Need A merc 1350 Lower Unit

Hey guys thanks so much for all the help. I am going to try and find one after 1979. I feel a little more confident about getting a unit. Thanks again!