20 hp -1979 thunderbolt - where to get part?

[kunas]

I just got this motor from a friend and it has a few problems.
I'm hoping the great members can offer some help.

first:
what I would refer to as the prop shaft retainer is broken from the shaft part.
I'll take a picture and post it today...
where can I find this part?
I searched some online part cat. but can't find this piece, and I'm not sure what it is called.

second:
I have a cable with a ball end that comes up from the lower unit, what connects to this? it is on the mount side of the motor. (shift linkage??)
again... I'll get some pics up today.

thanks.

 

[kunas]

Re: 20 hp - 1979 thunderbolt - prop shaft retainer?

Re: 20 hp - 1979 thunderbolt - prop shaft retainer?

prop shaft broken thing???

this is looking up the underside of the motor near the clamps
shift linkage??

 

[7920hpMercury]

Re: 20 hp -1979 thunderbolt - where to get part?

That broken piece is called the bearing carrier and is made of aluminum and houses the reverse gear & ball bearing and needle bearing and prop shaft seal.

The cable with the ball on the end is your neutral and reverse lock connection so that motor will not kick up in neurtal or when you put it in reverse. I usually take it off as I want the motor to kick up all the time.

Suggest you get a Mercury parts booklet and Service factory manual either Mercury or Seloc and this will show you everything you need to know about rebuilding the lower unit.

Great motors!

 

[kunas]

Re: 20 hp -1979 thunderbolt - where to get part?

thats great. thanks.

can you point me to where I can purchase those books?

any idea how much I will need to spend to repair this?

 

[7920hpMercury]

Re: 20 hp -1979 thunderbolt - where to get part?

Seloc or Mercury service manual, you can get on ebay, if you watch and do not need it in a hurry.

Seloc manual might still be published, I would try Amazon.com

Mercury service manual you can buy from Mercury direct, check their website. Although it has gotten pricer over the past few years like everything else. I would also get a Mercury parts list or booklet as this will have all of the parts numbers for this motor and an exploded view which is helpful.

You can also get this part on ebay, again if you watch long enough. This part for a 79 is also likely not NLA, or if it is, check Seaway Marine in Washingston state. I would rebuild it yourself or you can also likely find a lower unit on ebay, just make sure you get the right one.

Good luck and great motors!