ID my motor?

[jm999]

Just got this boat as a cheap project. Its my first boat and I know next to nothing about them other than how to start and drive them. I'm trying to figure out what year my motor is but I can't find a serial #. Where should I look for it?

The boat is a 1976 Invader Aquarius open bow. The guy told me that this was not the original motor.

Also, I have one drain plug, but there appear to be two holes that may require a plug. Do I need to get another for the 2nd hole? Which is more important? I'm guessing the bottom hole?


Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[RMasters]

Re: ID my motor?

You got me all excited, looks like a Mercury 850. 85hp and inline six. It says in small print "25 years of excellence", this could be the 25th anniversary model, paint sure looks like original phantom black.

1963 Beginning serial number is 1460999, 1964 is 1648888. Serial number is below the chrome handle, next to the Kiekhafer-Mercury decal (if still visible) on the port (left) side.

Ahoy!

 

[jm999]

Re: ID my motor?

Hey RMasters thanks for the info. I had to rub off some grime to find it, but the serial # appears to be 1687252. According to this guide: http://www.maxrules.com/models/Merc_model_files/60-100.html , its a 1964. So this engine is 18 years my senior. Hope it still has some life left in it!

 

[RMasters]

Re: ID my motor?

Your can type in the serial number at Mercury's website, they will confirm.

If it is indeed the inline six with 85 hp, let me know, I got the original manual with maintenance and adjustment information as a PDF file.

You don't know if it runs? I got some contacts if you need help. If it runs, you will be very pleased, it sure is a "Tower of Power" as they call these monsters.

Ahoy!

 

[jm999]

Re: ID my motor?

Thanks, that would be awesome. Will let you know what I find out.

I was assured that it runs, but we know how that goes. I had to drive about 1 1/2 hours to check it out and when I got there, turns out the battery was dead. It would start to crank, then die, then click when the key was turned. I thought the fact that it was at least cranking was a good sign. The person I bought it from did have it inspected and registered this year and said he had it in the water last year. So I'm hopeful. Regardless, I got the boat, motor and trailer for what the trailer was worth by itself.

 

[jm999]

Re: ID my motor?

Yes, it is indeed a 1964 25th Anniversary 85hp Inline 6cyl. Any consensus on these engines? Reliable? Anything to watch out for? A manual would be great!

 

[RMasters]

Re: ID my motor?

Hm, this can be tricky, but what I found out so far, these engines are long lasting.

The manual states that you have to use a battery with at least 650 CCA. I bought a Interstate which is very small and has 1000 CCA, it made a huge difference.

Also, I was told since the seals inside are most likely worn, you should (and I HAVE to, no exceptions) spray some starting fluid into the carburetors when first started in the morning to overcome that the seals can't hold the pressure over night.

I tried it without it, many times, no luck. But with it, it fires right up.

PM me your email and I mail you the manual. But it is 11 MB large!

Ahoy!