50 h.p. MERC HELP

[hct4all]

I want to buy a Mercury 50 HP Serial # 5797448 to hook up to my 16' Sea Nymph. I am going to hear it run before I fork over the cash. Any thing else I should look at?(Besides Compression)<br /><br />What is the reliability of this motor? Are parts still available? Any special features?<br /><br />What year is this motor?<br /><br />Thanks in advance!!

 

[Scali]

Re: 50 h.p. MERC HELP

check the lower unit oil, water pump function also check the steering arm & other bolts for rust.<br />I've got a 1994 40 4 cylinder didnt decode your #'s but if it's the 4 cylindr 50 then they have a very good reputation, so far mines been perfect..

 

[jimalsk]

Re: 50 h.p. MERC HELP

I could not find that serial number but my guess is 1981. Is it a four cylinder? I have a 50hp runs super.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: 50 h.p. MERC HELP

You have a 1981 4 cyl Mercury made in USA.<br />It has 2 carbs with integral fuel pumps and an electric choke,stainless steel driveshaft,and CDI coilpack ignition.<br />I had one one these until recently (moving house) and asked about 1500 questions on iboats about it. They are a bulletproof motor, but you need to keep the fuel fresh, mix 50:1, replace the impeller every 2nd season, and check for corroded wires (if it's a "Salty). You might want to look around the top 2 plugs for water cover leakage (rust or salt around plugs). This is not fatal but can be a pain to fix and may need P/H removal if bolts snap.<br />Nate in Arkansas can tell you a bit about these as can many more of the good folks ay iboats.<br />