Hey all,
I have a barn find 1996 Merc 25HP SN 0G342150 that has a destroyed lower unit. I got hold of a 1983 lower unit knowing there were some differences, but willing to take the risk because it is a nice solid unit that I got ridiculously cheap. So far, the only differences I have ran into that affect fit-up are the shift shaft and the 4 housing bolt holes are too small. I was able to swap the shift shaft with the 1996 and I think it will work. The drive shaft length, hole patterns, etc. are all the same. My question is if anyone has any solid reasons of not boring out the four mounting holes so I can use this lower unit? Are there other major differences that will surprise me?
Couple side notes:
-I am going to put a full seal kit in the '83 lower unit and pressure check it and everything. If I could ever sell it for enough to buy a compatible newer lower for the '96, or find the right person to trade, I would do it. I just think the likeliness of me getting that to work out are slim to none. I refuse to pay $500+ for one because I know I can avoid it one way or another.
-My end goal is to bring the 1996 back to life and flip this unit. I have worked on many outboards and enjoy doing it. What are potential buyers going to think about buying a 1996 unit with a 1983 lower?
Thanks!
I have a barn find 1996 Merc 25HP SN 0G342150 that has a destroyed lower unit. I got hold of a 1983 lower unit knowing there were some differences, but willing to take the risk because it is a nice solid unit that I got ridiculously cheap. So far, the only differences I have ran into that affect fit-up are the shift shaft and the 4 housing bolt holes are too small. I was able to swap the shift shaft with the 1996 and I think it will work. The drive shaft length, hole patterns, etc. are all the same. My question is if anyone has any solid reasons of not boring out the four mounting holes so I can use this lower unit? Are there other major differences that will surprise me?
Couple side notes:
-I am going to put a full seal kit in the '83 lower unit and pressure check it and everything. If I could ever sell it for enough to buy a compatible newer lower for the '96, or find the right person to trade, I would do it. I just think the likeliness of me getting that to work out are slim to none. I refuse to pay $500+ for one because I know I can avoid it one way or another.
-My end goal is to bring the 1996 back to life and flip this unit. I have worked on many outboards and enjoy doing it. What are potential buyers going to think about buying a 1996 unit with a 1983 lower?
Thanks!
