laye 70's early 80's merc help **pics

[ryanorillia]

Hi,
Fairly new to outboards, brand new to mercs, have a few questions about this motor i acquired more or less from being thrown out

1) I can't seem to make it trim all the way down?? i'm baffled even with the pin right out??
2) engine starts but there is a tonn of debris/carbon/burned residue in the motor casing, what are the first things I should check??
3) can i figure out the exact year from this serial # ?
Thanks

 

[MTboatguy]

How many hp is this motor? Or what Model is it, should say on the hood or possibly by the exhaust port.

 

[MTboatguy]

How many hp is this motor? Or what Model is it, should say on the hood or possibly by the exhaust port.

 

[racerone]

1979-----If there is a decal that says " comet " it is a 7.5 hp -Or no decal it is a 9.8 hp.

 

[ryanorillia]

sorry it's a 9.8 i thought i put that in the title lol any help with the other stuff?

 

[ryanorillia]

still can't get this to trim all the way down..any ideas?