1978 merc 50hp blue band recently purchased

[Leaky Tiki]

This motor has run great for me all summer. I got back from fishing yesterday, hooked the mufflers up to wash her out, and noticed she wasnt peein' out the tell tale like usuall. How hard is it to check the impeller? Do I need to drain the lower unit of oil first? how much money am I looking at?<br />Should I check thermostat first? Lottsa questions I know........I am a first time poster here .....Thanks in advance everyone...Tight Lines

 

[S.T. Marine]

Re: 1978 merc 50hp blue band recently purchased

Time for a water pump...... Make sure the water outlet isnt cloged first. I always recommend changing the waterpump every few years and whenever you buy a motor do it also if not from a marina. Fist off you have to remove the lower...<br /><br />1.Take off the trim tab..(zinc) 1/2 socket.<br />2.Take off the nut under the trim tab. 9/16 socket.<br />3. Take off the nut above the prop a few inches away from the last one 5/8 socket.<br />4. Take off the two nuts on eather side with a 5/8 wrench. Make sure you hold it up<br /><br />This will let the lower come off. No need to drain fluid. I would anyway jsut to replace it. Take the impeller housing off and discard the impeller plate, gaskets and impeller. Install new waterpump kit. When putting the impeller on turn the shaft clockwise to make the blades turn that way when trying to put the houing over it. Lub it up a little with some penetrating fluid. Torque and reinstall lower make sure it is in the same gear as it was taken of in. Good luck<br /><br />Should cost now more than 50$ to do the whole job urself

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1978 merc 50hp blue band recently purchased

S D, First get a manual.<br /> You could check the hose for kinks or a wasp nest.Probably needs an impeller.<br />No need to drain oil.Basic procedure is similar on most motors but some signifigant differences,<br />Hense the manual.There is a bulge about 1/2 way down lower unit.should come apart there.Dont start without manual.<br />Grubbs Marine at:www.oldmercs.com Has reprint ser. and owners manuals for your motor.<br />NAPA auto parts lists water pump parts for Mercs.<br /> cant be sure about your motor without ser.<br />number.

 

[Leaky Tiki]

Re: 1978 merc 50hp blue band recently purchased

S.T. and Spike,<br />You guys are great. thank you for the advice.......just ordered a manual and a pump kit from napa..........<br />This Board Rocks<br /><br />Thanks again!!!! Tight Lines<br />I'll be here asking again whe.... er,,,,if I screw it up..........Peace out