Many questions

[dg-boater]

I just got a 16' Alum. boat made by Cherokee - with a 50HP Outboard Mercury 500 engine that says Thunderbolt Ignition on it (serial number = 3482072). My questions are:<br />1) On the MerControl there are two levers. The larger is the Forward / Nuetral / Reverse lever, and controls the throttle. The other effects the throttle as well, but does it play any other role?<br />2) I ran the battery down and had to be jumped. This could have been caused by idling the engine for a proloned period, and/or using a trolling motor intermittently. In either case, what is the charging capacity of the motor and how is it accomplished (unlike a car, there is no generator or alternator). Is charging effected by engine speed?<br />3) What mix of gas to oil should I use? Should I use any additives? Is the motor designed for leaded fuel (does that matter)?<br />4) I'm fairly handy - what plugs should I use? How is the timing adjusted (I have a dwell meter and timing light)? Are there any carburetor adjustments I should tinker with?<br /><br />I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks for all the help.<br /><br />DJG

 

[JB]

Re: Many questions

Howdy, DG.<br /><br />Lesson one: Get a manual, no, get two. An Owner's Manual and a Repair Manual.<br /><br />Use a 50:1 mix with TC-W3 oil and 87 octane unleaded.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Many questions

Agree with JB. They simply pay for themselves in short order, and are allways on the bookshelf for quick reference.<br /><br />Most outboards of that vintage actually don't even have a battery charging circuit. I know it's hard to believe, but true.<br />And if you're lucky enough to have a charging cicuit on your outboard, you'll find it to be of poor quality,sometimes they even cook batteries to death instead of charging them.<br />In the cowling, under a plastic pouch, you should find a starter rope, for just such emergencies.<br />It may be missing, but one belongs in there, and they came with one new.<br /><br />Consider purchasing a deep cycle marine battery just for the trolling motor, and all onboard electricals, leaving the motor with it's own auto-type starting battery.<br />Fully charge both before leaving the house, and you should be good for a long day on the water.<br />Congrats on your new aquisition,and enjoy it.<br />Take a safe boating course, and watch out for the morons (the water is ripe with them lately for some reason).<br />And read-up here on care and maintainence issues.<br />iboats.com rocks

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Many questions

when you get a manual, it will explain how to test<br />the rectifier.... that's what charges the battery.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[dg-boater]

Re: Many questions

Me again <br /><br />In my original question I gave the serial number, but forgot to ask if anyone can tell me the year of the engine, so I can purchase the correct manual(s).<br /><br />Thanks for the replies. You guys are wonderful!<br /><br />DJG

 

[12Footer]

Re: Many questions

Should be a 1972, DJG.<br />Clymer Shop manual B726

 

[03vrod]

Re: Many questions

I know it's an old post just wondering how the old cherokee was doing.I have a 61 runabout also 16'.

 

[wanaknow]

Re: Many questions

I have a 1966, 16' Cherokee runabout. I'm looking for any information about Cherokees that I can find.