Deciphering serial 9.9/15

[ChilliSpoons]

I just bought a Force outboard with a 9.9 cowling but was told that it’s really a 15hp motor. I can’t figure out from the serial number what it really is???

Serial #OE045318
Tillotson Carb F01B322

After going for a blast attached to my 12’ aluminum I wasn’t really getting the performance that I’d expect out of a 15. It ran and started fairly well but with some slight idle issues. I’ve now added a full can of SeaFoam to a gallon of gas and ran it in a test tank for about 10 minutes. Let it rest for 15 then ran it for another 10. Quite a bit of smoke but appears to idle better. I’ll do this again in a few days as well as spraying some SeaFoam into the carb. Afterwords I’ll change the spark plugs with a fresh set then attack the leg oil.

It currently has NGK BR6FS plugs. Are these the correct plugs??

Thanks,
ChilliSpoons

 

[roscoe]

Here is your model number based on the serial number you posted.


H015201PD

1992 15 hp.

 

[ChilliSpoons]

Thank You Roscoe. Where did you source that information?

 

[roscoe]

I ran your serial number through the mercury Marine parts web site, which gave the model number.

A search of the model number showed up on several parts supplier sites as a '92.

I also have a list breaking down Mercury/force serial numbers.

There were a few years that things ran together as Mercury switched over their serial numbering system.


Mercury Force serial number ranges 1991 - 1999

OE000001 - OE065371 1991-1993

OE065372 - OE093699 1994

OE093700 - OE138599 1995

OE138600 - OE202999 1996

OE203000 - OE287999 1997

OE288000 - OE344999 1998

OE345000 - OE369299 1999


And here:

https://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/parts/1459_140.cfm?mdl=BV0VUZ

 

[ChilliSpoons]

Awesome!!! Thanks again.

I like to educate myself on mechanical stuff that I run. And being able to source information is a big part of that.

 

[jerryjerry05]

If you want t put something in your gas??
Try Chevron with Techron. Black bottle, looks like an upside down funnel, sold at most auto stores.
I mix it with 1 gal gas and the appropriate amount of oil.
Run this for while and then let set over night.
Then change to a tank with out any additives.
Then run until the old gas is clear and then change the plugs.
If the carbs really dirty take it off and have it professionally cleaned.
Some internal passages won't clean with a spray can.

Then if it still runs bad? compression test, spark test, check the reeds, rebuild the fuel pump.