85HP Merc, what year? Where's the oil coming from?

[Tu77]

I was just given an 85hp Merc. Believed to be Late '70s early '80s 1) I'd like to know the year so I can buy a manual. S/N is 4298876. 2) Where could I find a good manual? 3) ALSO, there is a clear oil leaking from between the prob and the shaft. I looks like it's coming from behind the prop inside somewhere. Is this gonna cost a lot $$$?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: 85HP Merc, what year? Where's the oil coming from?

You can get non genuine manuals from iboats.com or a mercury dealer for genuine.<br /><br />A clear fluid? Dunno.<br /><br />Look here for your serial number to year cross reference.<br /> http://www.maxrules.com/merc_contents.html <br /><br />Looks as though it may be '75/'76.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Tu77]

Re: 85HP Merc, what year? Where's the oil coming from?

Originally posted by Dunaruna:<br /> You can get non genuine manuals from iboats.com or a mercury dealer for genuine.<br /><br />A clear fluid? Dunno.<br /><br />Look here for your serial number to year cross reference.<br /> http://www.maxrules.com/merc_contents.html <br /><br />Looks as though it may be '75/'76.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Tu77]

Re: 85HP Merc, what year? Where's the oil coming from?

I guess I shouldn't say that it's 'clear'. More of a yellowish I guess. I'm not real great with color anyway. I definately think it's an oil. It smells like an oil.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 85HP Merc, what year? Where's the oil coming from?

Tu, if it stinks, it is lower unit gear lube. If it has a standard "oil" smell, it is likely 2 cycle oil.<br /><br />If it is gear lube and is leaking out the prop, you may have a bad prop shaft seal on the gearcase. If it is two-cycle oil, it is normal for it to appear there.

 

[Tu77]

Re: 85HP Merc, what year? Where's the oil coming from?

Chris,<br />Thanks, I pulled the prop last night and replaced the seal. Wasn't as bad as I'd thought. Previous owner said that it was taken care of just recently. How often does this need to be replaced?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 85HP Merc, what year? Where's the oil coming from?

Tu, I have never had to replace the Prop seal on my 1977 Merc 1500. I have replaced the waterpump seals and gaskets several times.<br /><br />I am surprized you did not think the replacement job was difficult. I had thought that removing the bearing carrier was a difficult job.

 

[Tu77]

Re: 85HP Merc, what year? Where's the oil coming from?

Chris,<br />I'm not sayin' I didn't get gear lube all over the place. I just had invisioned a lot more work and special tools to get the job done. There was a black o-ring that is next to the first gear on the bearing carrier and I replaced that also.