Can I use my lower unit with this motor?

[rhinzo]

I have a 1977 Mercury 1500 that blew from overheating.

I found a 85hp merc 4cyl Thunderbolt powerhead on craigslist. (http://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa/5008549813.html)
The owner said he's not sure of the Serial number, so I can't be sure of the year...
"Ok, I didn't find the serial # but I got the block #8473920...Cross referencing the block #, the possible ser #2986444" - the Owner

would guess 70's-80's by the looks of it and through some research.

A couple questions:
1. Would I be able put my lower unit on this 85hp?
2. Would I be able to salvage other parts from my motor to update the old one? (Stator, Wiring Harness, Water Pump, etc..)
3. Is the number on the block the serial number?
4. Where can I reference compatibility questions about old merc motors without having to post a question about every motor I find?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Faztbullet]

1. Would I be able put my lower unit on this 85hp?

Sorry but no as gear ratio different. Some say you can reprop it and make it work but it turns it into a dog on low midrange.

Would I be able to salvage other parts from my motor to update the old one? (Stator, Wiring Harness, Water Pump, etc..)

Yes.......

Is the number on the block the serial number?

The stamped in number is, the cast number is not....

Where can I reference compatibility questions about old merc motors without having to post a question about every motor I find?

Here on iBoats using the search feature and parts break downs...

 

[Chris1956]

Your 1500 should be distributor ignition. As long as the 850 is also distributor ignition, everything is likely interchangeable, except the rotor disk.

How bad is the 1500? Maybe you could rebuild it?