04 Merc 50 help

[thisdj1]

Hello,
Ive got just a couple questions. First off, I just purchased a boat for the motor that has an 04 Merc 50 on it. What all would you recommend I do before I use it. The people that had it before only used it around 7 times since it was new. Should I put new oil in and change the plugs? Any suggestions? And now a little off topic I guess but, im taking the motor off of an 87 18' procraft and putting it on a 91 24' pontoon. Anyone know what all i need to do or not do for that matter in doing this project??? LIke does the steering cable stay with the boat or do I swap it with the motor?? Thanks for all your help!!!

 

[Plainsman]

Re: 04 Merc 50 help

This might help:

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035575

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 04 Merc 50 help

Since the engine is going on a pontoon you will likely need a prop change since the engine will be working much harder pushing a "barge" than a boat. Check the pitch of the prop you have now. You will probably need to drop pitch a couple inches to get the engine revs where they need to be. Lugging the engine will kill it. As with any engine that you have no knowlege of its history, changing the water pump impeller, lower unit lub, engine oil change if a four stroke, thermostat, and plugs is a must.

 

[thisdj1]

Re: 04 Merc 50 help

Well I did get some info on it as I was able to get it locally. The boat was bought for a pontoon but the guy ordered a 70 instead of a 50. So the dealer swapped them out and it was put on the boat i bought it from. It was always dealer serviced and the people I bought it from only used it 6 times since it was new. The wife made the guy sell the boat motor and trailer just for what they owed on it. So I got an 87 pro craft 18' with trailer and this motor for 2500. So Im gonna put the motor off my toon back on the boat and see how much of my money I can recoup. Thanks for all the help!!!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 04 Merc 50 help

Steering cables stays with the boat. It will hook right up to the toons steering cable. You will need a prop that has a pitch of about 11-13". Odds are it's much higher than that now. Fresh oil and all that Silvertip suggested is a must...