Serial Number - tried everywhere, no match

[JoeCanada]

Hi,

I'm trying to identify my outboard so that I can order a fuel pump kit for it. There is no plate anywhere giving a serial number but I was told that it was 7069661 when I bought it. I opened the shroud on the engine up and I did find that number on the block.

I've checked through all the sites given on the Sticky and a few others and I can't find the number anywhere. The engine says Mercury 500 and Thunderbolt Ignition on it and it is supposed to be a 50hp 1985.

The closest thing I was able to find said that it was a 1976 rope start, which is wrong, its electric start.

I've attached a picture, its probably not a whole lot of help but at least you have a visual.

Joe

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Serial Number - tried everywhere, no match

The maxrules.com web site gives serial numbers for Canadian Mercs. Did you try there?

 

[achris]

Re: Serial Number - tried everywhere, no match

Just from the decals it looks like about 1977... and my serial number book agrees, 1977.

Chris........

 

[JoeCanada]

Re: Serial Number - tried everywhere, no match

I was told that they didn't have the Thunderbolt ignition that far back. I did try that site, yes.

 

[achris]

Re: Serial Number - tried everywhere, no match

I was told that they didn't have the Thunderbolt ignition that far back. ....

The 50hp engines were the first to be fitted with the distributor-less ignition system (ADI), in 1977. Your engine was the first year to have it.

Merc have a different philosophy to OMC. Merc put a new feature on only one engine series at a time, thus if it's a failure it doesn't taint the whole product line. Case in point is OMCs VRO system, introduced on all engines in about 1983, and a complete disaster. They managed to kill engines with frightening efficiency from 50hp to 300hp. It took OMC more than 10 years before anyone would trust them again, and even then it wasn't great.

Merc put ADI on the 50s in 1977, then progressively up the line over the next few years. The 115hp inline 6 engines didn't get it until early 80s.

THIS site is great to get a year just from the decals.

Chris..........

 

[JoeCanada]

Re: Serial Number - tried everywhere, no match

I see what you mean. Based on that I'd say its a '76, the actual Mercury badge is slightly different on the '77 the writing is red.

I'm surprised its that old, the thing looks brand new inside. Anyway, how do I figure out what fuel pump kit I need based on this? They all seem to be listed by serial number and mine still doesn't match. Also, am I going to be able to figure out how to rebuild the pump? I'm good with my hands but unless the kits have detailed instructions I have a feeling it would be hard to find a how-to online for this specific engine.

Joe

 

[achris]

Re: Serial Number - tried everywhere, no match

Joe,

Go to ebay and try and find a service manual for your engine. There are plenty around so you shouldn't have too much trouble. Failing that (or if you'd like a nice new one) go to one of the on-line shops (I use www.mercruiserparts.com) and order one. The part number is 90-75512.

Chris.............