Help!<br /><br />I have a Mercury outboard motor with a serial number of 3482072. All charts seem to indicate that this is a 1973. The motor cover is black with blue striping and has the following information stamped in different places:<br />Mercury<br />50 HP<br />500<br />Thunderbolt<br />******************************<br />The Clymer manual I purchased for this motor covers a wide range of motors and can be a bit confussing to decipher. For instance, in the IGNITION AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS section of the manual there is a section which covers:<br />*** LIGHTING ENERGIZER IGNITION (MODEL 500 THROUGH 1975). I would think that this section would cover my engine and disassebly drawing looks like it may.<br />However, on the following page there is a section which covers:<br />*** THUNDERBOLT CD IGNITION SYSTEM WITH DISTRIBUTOR which is used on: a) 1975 Mercury 650-850 and b) 1975-1976 Mercury 1150-1500. The pictures in this section also look like my system.<br />---The model and years [model 500 through 1975 verses 1975 and 1976, 650 though 1500] suggests I have the lightning system.<br />---The language [energizer system verses thunderbolt system] suggests I have the thunderbolt system.<br />---Since the engine is stamped Thunderbolt, this doesnt make sense to me. (What does Thunderbolt mean?)<br /><br />Although the engine seems to run well, near the end of the season last year I noticed what appears to be a small crack in the distributor cap. Before the approaching season begins, I would like to purchase a tune up kit and replace the distibutor cap, points, condensor(s) and associated gaskets.<br /><br />I have searched in various places including the PartsFinder at PartFinder <br />From there I clicked on: "Mercury outboard (20 charts)" <br />Then I clicked on: "Charts: Ignition system" <br />In this case I chose: "Entire Chart" <br /><br />I have found similar resources at other sites and the results are the same each time. Under the 50HP heading there is nothing listed after serial number 2858813 (which means my motor isnt covered!)<br /><br />Can anyone help? In addition to wanting a tune up kit, I would really like to find a conversion kit that will allow me to switch from a system with points to an electronic ignition system. This raises a second question:<br /><br />The one place that I found that has a kit that MIGHT work (see Electronic Conversions ) has testimonials suggesting that the change would increase voltage output to the plugs. If that is the case, would I use a different plug?<br /><br />So, with all of the information I have provided, Im really trying to figure out which distibutor cap and / or tune up kit is the right one for my motor.<br /><br />Thank you<br /><br /><br />Side note:<br />The Clymer manual I have mentions Delco Bosch and Prestolite. Are they interchangable?<br /><br />On a completely different note:<br />Any good pictures of a disassebled mercury lower unit? I need to have my gaskets replaced again and Id like to find a drawing sufficient enough to help me get comfortable with the task. Otherwise - back to the marina for a $400.00 repair and $20.00 worth of parts!
