Early 80’s merc 2.0 150 V6 brown band clamshell black max ratio

QBhoy

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Hi
So the merc 150 black max I have on the wee cvx16 is a strong motor. Runs so well on the couple of outings so far. She ran a 66 mph gps on the second try and prop that day.
Initially I presumed her red and white decals (look very original) of the usual found on a late 80’s to early 90’s model like this were just original and that’s that. But after doing the impeller on her and knowing what she’s like under the hood. She’s a little older looking in style under the hood and most obviously, the lower unit gearbox is certainly a different arrangement from a late 80’s engine I had years ago. The bolt configuration that hold the gearbox on is different altogether. Not long after, a local guy that knew the engine when she was on her original boat (I bought both for the engine, just to put the engine onto the cvx, I then sold the boat it came on cheap), is certain the engine used to have the older brown decals from the early 80’s. He might be correct.
So the question is, would I be right in thinking the older type gearbox is of a higher ratio than the newer version. Details to be found are limited that I can see. I know the more common ratio on late 80’s and 90’s models is around 2-1 or close…but I have in mind the older gearbox like mine, may be around 1.8ish. Would certainly make sense with how she runs, given the speed and rpms she’s pulling now. Despite that and either way, she’s still needing at least a 25” to keep her under 6000 rpm, I’m sure.
Anyone any idea ? Can’t check the serial for a good while. She’s tucked away on an island for winter.
 

Faztbullet

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Mounting bolt patterns have not changed on V-6 engines only gear/ratios/shifting. Only different pattern is a Inline gearcase and you remove the front stud to use on a V6.
 

QBhoy

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Mounting bolt patterns have not changed on V-6 engines only gear/ratios/shifting. Only different pattern is a Inline gearcase and you remove the front stud to use on a V6.
Strange one. It’s definitely a different looking thing from the mid 90’s mercury mariner 2.0 150 sitting next to it just now. This is the best picture I have
 

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dingbat

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Your looking at mid 1980’s.
My 175 HP brown stripe was an 1986
 

Chris1956

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QBhoy Clamshell cowling found on 80's Merc 150s swing open from the front. The style solid cowling in your picture looks like my '93 Merc V6. The decals also look like the early 90's motors. My motor has a 2::1 gear ratio, but the gearcase is from an '88 Merc 150V6.

A silver disc on top of the block will have the serial number. You can look up the year on the maxrules web site.
 

QBhoy

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Your looking at mid 1980’s.
My 175 HP brown stripe was an 1986
The decals are not original. It used to be brown decals. Good job if it..but not original apparently. I think you’re right about being early to mid 80’s.
 

QBhoy

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QBhoy Clamshell cowling found on 80's Merc 150s swing open from the front. The style solid cowling in your picture looks like my '93 Merc V6. The decals also look like the early 90's motors. My motor has a 2::1 gear ratio, but the gearcase is from an '88 Merc 150V6.

A silver disc on top of the block will have the serial number. You can look up the year on the maxrules web site.
Hi chris. This swings open from the front, after releasing the two catches. Then opens up clamshell style to each side.
The decals are also deceiving. These are the late 80’s decals as far as I can tell. But it originally had brown decals as far as I know. Looks slightly different underneath too.
 

dingbat

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Lever on the bottom releases the front cover to expose the release catches. Covers hinged on he back
1640368560550.png
1640369137800.jpeg
 
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QBhoy

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No matter what age she is…she’s sure a strong old engine. On the wee cvx16, so far she’s hit 66.6 mph GPs with a 23” ballistic. But still over 6000 rpm at least. Hoping to try a 25” soon. Quite sure there is 70 mph to come from her at least.
 
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