25hp Mercury

[Coldwaterangler]

Hello. I just have a quick question for the experts on this forum. I have a 1995 25hp electric start 2-stroke Mercury. I was told that the lower unit is completely shot so I need to find a compatible used lower unit. My question is this, what years will fit my motor and how difficult would it be for an unexperienced person to replace this part? I just want to make sure that when I buy a used lower unit it will fit my motor.
Thanks!

 

[carholme]

Re: 25hp Mercury

wrangler;

What is the s/n of your engine and what is the problem with the lower unit that determines that it is shot? I am no expert but these are not cheap units, however, if you need to replace it, you can certainly do the job.

Gerry

 

[Coldwaterangler]

Re: 25hp Mercury

Thanks for the reply Gerry. My motor is at the shop so I don't have the serial number handy. I was told that the lower unit gears were stripped out and that the best option was to just replace the lower unit. Does anyone know what years for lower units will fit my motor? My motor is a tiller handle style with the shifter in the handle. Not sure if that makes a difference or not. I was looking at some lower units from the late 80's but not sure if they are compatible.
Thanks.

 

[carholme]

Re: 25hp Mercury

Well, it would certainly be wise to strip it down and have a look to see what condition the gears are in as you can buy the parts much cheaper than an assembled unit, unless you get a good deal. It also depends on how mechanically inclined you are. Did the shop actually have it apart and show you the problem or are they just telling you that. I hate to see you waste so much money.

However, here is the parts listing for your engine:

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/368.cfm

and you will find the gear housing p/ns in here:

GEAR HOUSING (DRIVE SHAFT)(2.25:1 GEAR RATIO)
GEAR HOUSING (PROPELLER SHAFT)(2.25:1 GEAR RATIO)

Gerry

 

[Coldwaterangler]

Re: 25hp Mercury

Thanks again. I did not physically see the damaged gears myself but that is what I was told, so I have been trying to find a used replacement lower unit that will fit mine. I am just not sure of the years that are compatible with a 1995. I could probably try replacing the stripped out gears myself but I have never taken on a project like that before and I was also told that the amount of parts needed would cost as much as just replacing the whole lower unit. So I figured if I could get a good deal on a used lower unit that would fit, it might be the easiest route. Anyone have any other thoughts?

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 25hp Mercury

The shop took the lower end a part? And did not show you the damage?

 

[Coldwaterangler]

Re: 25hp Mercury

The shop that I took the motor to is just far enough from my house that I haven't had a chance to stop by and look at the parts.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 25hp Mercury

You need to be pro active.
Not saying the shop is not good.
BUT take a drive.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 25hp Mercury

1986-1998 18/20/25hp lower units will interchange. These are the XD series units....

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 25hp Mercury

All those lower end parts are like GOLD. Any parts that are good keep them, espcially( sp)? the prop shaft. and drive shaft.

 

[Coldwaterangler]

Re: 25hp Mercury

Excellent! Thank you all for the help!