is it worth repairing? 1965 merc 500 50 hp kiekhaefer blown lower end.

[firsttimeboter]

I am new to boating and boat motors and am in need of some advice.
I have a 1965 Merc 500 50 hp kiekhaefer that is in decent shape and has good compression. The lower unit however is in rougher shape. The main shaft looks straight but the gears in prop housing are rusted and probably need replacing, as well as a missing prop shaft and prop.
Does anyone know if this lower end will be worth the hassle to find/fix, Or should I look into finding a new shortshaft motor?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: is it worth repairing? 1965 merc 500 50 hp kiekhaefer blown lower end.

the prop shaft will be really hard to find. MY .02

 

[mr 88]

Re: is it worth repairing? 1965 merc 500 50 hp kiekhaefer blown lower end.

If no one can help you here give Fiberglassics.com a try. Go to there Mercury forum and post the same question. Dr. Frankenmerc will no doubt reply. I have purchased hard to find parts from him at very decent prices.Gears with rust does not mean they are shot,a quick sand blast may clean them like new.Seals bearings shims? Best to give the Doc a shout out with the details he will not steer you wrong.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: is it worth repairing? 1965 merc 500 50 hp kiekhaefer blown lower end.

Best to find a used one complete and swap out. Missing parts,bad bearings,sealkit and gear can cost more to repair than motors worth. You can use a later model with some mod's as the lower units had different width studs on front of housing, some had a square shift shaft not splined. Make sures it a 50 lower unit as the 40/402 and 3 cylinder 65/70 are different ratios..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/63-6...3226986QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: is it worth repairing? 1965 merc 500 50 hp kiekhaefer blown lower end.

Check the drive shaft also. Many are worn out (grooved at water pump seal)

 

[firsttimeboter]

Re: is it worth repairing? 1965 merc 500 50 hp kiekhaefer blown lower end.

thanks for the help faztbullet. I guess Ill source other parts needed and go from there.