1973 80hp mercury

[wishinIwasFishin]

I've heard that this motor has a plain steel shaft (not stainless steel) and is prone to rusting is this true

 

[alcan]

Re: 1973 80hp mercury

Yes this is true. So what. I've run merc's in salt water for years, no big deal. So long as they recive proper attention. Just make sure the splines are greesed and the rubber o-rings and slinger bands are in place. True, some times they look like hell when you take them apart, but a wire brush cleans this up in a hurry. FYI there is no such thing as stainless steel. It should be called stain resistant steel. Every once in a while you'll get a rusted stainless shaft also.

 

[wishinIwasFishin]

Re: 1973 80hp mercury

Thanks alcan! so you are saying not to worry and I think that this motor has spent most of its life in fresh water so may be ok ?

 

[alcan]

Re: 1973 80hp mercury

Hi Wishin<br />When buying a used motor inspection is costomary. Unless you buy from a reputable dealer. And he states that the unit is serviced and ready to go. When you buy from a privite party you do your own inspection or pay someone else to do it. Part of this inspection includes droping the lower unit. Drive shafts can get stuck no matter what they are made of. The splines on the ends also wear and become damaged. This can be a ticklish area with a seller. Now if he has a receite for a recent service job, You can probably let this slide.<br />If you find a motor with a stuck shaft, pay no more than scrap price. Salt water,fresh water it dosn't matter all motors should have the same care. You can have a motor that has been moored in the salt all its life, with proper care and it will be in better shape than a motor that is only used in fresh water a few times a year and not taken care of.

 

[maillon]

Re: 1973 80hp mercury

Guys I have a similiar motor. (73 85 HP). Any idea how much this motor weighs?

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: 1973 80hp mercury

maillon <br /><br />About 280 pounds.<br /><br />Gold Bear