'72 50hp Merc

[fireman57]

Hate to start all over as a cadet. Was a very active member of this forum a couple of years and computers ago. Parents health problems cut my time down but now I am back.<br /><br />I have always been an OMC/Bombardier owner but was recently given a 1972 50hp Merc. I reluctantly accepted it but would like to know what the tendencies of this engine are. I have heard that from the 70' to mid 80' Merc wasn't the most reliable engine around.<br />Any help would be most appreciated and it's good to be back!

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: '72 50hp Merc

I think you heard wrong. And so does my 83 Merc. LOL

 

[fireman57]

Re: '72 50hp Merc

I guess I'll fire it up this weekend and trust it until it let's me down. Then after I fix it, I'll trust it again!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: '72 50hp Merc

Check the usual stuff, impeller, water pump, fuel line, bulb and lower unit. Might also want to check compression, for spark through the wires/plugs, and look at the fuel pump and carbs after you get it running. Also check condition of the wires under the cowl. May need to replace some of the wiring on one that old. I know...I have a 73 model. They can be kinda finicky on the choke...hold choke button down and then crank until it fires, then release the choke and it should fire right up. See, you're learning new stuff that the OMC guys may not know!

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: '72 50hp Merc

They are a real EVIL and unreliable motor.. Those old Mercs.. I'd suggest you buy a nice Johnnyrude and send that old anchor over to me.. I may be able to hollow it out and make a letterbox out of it...