1960 Merc 400... Telltale?

[SMOKNZ]

I just picked up an old Starcraft with a 1960 Merc 400 on it. I got it to run in a garbage can, pretty well actually. I know it has sat for the last 4 years at least, and who knows before that. I have been able to source quite a bit of parts for it at Old Merc's.com, but I was primarily concerned about the water pump impeller. Do these old motors have a tell Tale like the newer ones do? There appears to be a exhaust port mid way down the outboard almost by the water line, is this where it should be? I noticed a little bit of spray out of it, but no solid stream. Any advice would be appreciated. I plan on replacing the impeller, fuel lines, rebuild the fuel pump and carbs before it makes it on the water. Thanks.

Bill

 

[old-gubbins]

Re: 1960 Merc 400... Telltale?

I expect the experts who know this motor will chime in, but in the meantime, you will find an owners manual for 1966-72 mercs here:

http://www.brunswickmarineemea.com/download/dosearch/@isnew/desc?mod=4&lang=EN&categories=OUTBOARD$1966-1972$2-Stroke$

Certainly, the 1966 motors had a telltale higher up. Assuming yours also does, on first thought, it sounds as if your pump is working (but you should fit a new impeller asap), because you have water spraying out of the relief outlet, but the telltale itself might be blocked, perhaps clearable by poking a length of weedwhacker line up it, otherwise you might have a blockage in the cooling system where more expert opinions will be needed.

Hope this helps,

o-g

 

[Doug Redinger]

Re: 1960 Merc 400... Telltale?

I have a 1960 Merc 300, and the telltale hole is just above the midsection near the back of the powerhead and on the left side of the motor when facing the front of the boat. It's just a couple of inches from the 1" exhaust opening in the back of the midsection. Try poking a small piece of wire into the hole, as bugs like to plug up this hole with debris. However if it has been sitting that long it is probably going to need a new impeller anyway. I wouldn't risk running it anymore without first repacing the impeller. Its a couple hour job to replace, but pretty straight forward. You may want to replace some or all of the seals in the L.U. while you have it off. A manual is very helpful.

 

[SMOKNZ]

Re: 1960 Merc 400... Telltale?

I expect the experts who know this motor will chime in, but in the meantime, you will find an owners manual for 1966-72 mercs here:

http://www.brunswickmarineemea.com/download/dosearch/@isnew/desc?mod=4&lang=EN&categories=OUTBOARD$1966-1972$2-Stroke$

Certainly, the 1966 motors had a telltale higher up. Assuming yours also does, on first thought, it sounds as if your pump is working (but you should fit a new impeller asap), because you have water spraying out of the relief outlet, but the telltale itself might be blocked, perhaps clearable by poking a length of weedwhacker line up it, otherwise you might have a blockage in the cooling system where more expert opinions will be needed.

Hope this helps,

o-g

Thanks for the link, but that manual does not apply to my '60 engine. I searched the site for the manual, but didn't find it.

BIll

 

[SMOKNZ]

Re: 1960 Merc 400... Telltale?

I have a 1960 Merc 300, and the telltale hole is just above the midsection near the back of the powerhead and on the left side of the motor when facing the front of the boat. It's just a couple of inches from the 1" exhaust opening in the back of the midsection. Try poking a small piece of wire into the hole, as bugs like to plug up this hole with debris. However if it has been sitting that long it is probably going to need a new impeller anyway. I wouldn't risk running it anymore without first repacing the impeller. Its a couple hour job to replace, but pretty straight forward. You may want to replace some or all of the seals in the L.U. while you have it off. A manual is very helpful.

The manual is $75 , I may check the local Library for one though. I have found one small hole on the left side of the motor, but I cannot see if it attaches to anything on the powerhead. THe opening is very small, Is this the telltale?

Bill

 

[Doug Redinger]

Re: 1960 Merc 400... Telltale?

The tell-tale hole is very small, 3/32 to 1/8" . The discharge comes directly from the base of the powerhead, so there is no hose connection to the tell-tale. I have a factory manual for Merc's 1965 and prior which is very helpful.

 

[SMOKNZ]

Re: 1960 Merc 400... Telltale?

I found that hole! I poked some weed wacker line up in there and peirced thru. I think I will just bite the bullet and get the manual along with my other parts. I guess at $70 it's like paying a shop for one hour of labor. Might pay for itself the first time I use it!

Bill