Mercury 50 hp Buy or run away

[saraha1]

Hello, I need some help and advice

I am looking to buy a boat with a 1983(?) 50hp Mercry outboard.
Here is the problem.

It will not go into reverse, forward and neutral work fine.

The seller is telling me that when he replaced the impeller and seals, he must not have lined up the shaft properly and that it is a quick fix, just a simple adjustment. Does this make any sense to anyone out there; is it as simple as that?
I have spent hour?s today searching different forums and web sites but I cannot find anything that talks about this particular problem.

Any information would be great

 

[Timestep]

Re: Mercury 50 hp Buy or run away

If it is quick, ask him to do it?

Dave

 

[hotrod53]

Re: Mercury 50 hp Buy or run away

There is an adjustment up near the power head where the cables connect.

If it happened whan he had the lower unit off, maybe the controls weren't in the same gear as the lower unit, that shifter will slide on the shaft many different ways if its out of whack.

Knowing that it could be an easy fix, I'm still leary. +1 on having him fix it, takes 10 minutes to pull the unit.

 

[saraha1]

Re: Mercury 50 hp Buy or run away

Thanks for the replies,
I know I will regret it later but I think I may have to walk away from this deal.
I just don't know enough about boat motors to know whether or not to buy.
I did speak to the seller about him doing the work but he just does not have the time, but still claims that it is a simple fix and even someone non mechanically inclined can do the job.

Oh well on to the next

 

[sschefer]

Re: Mercury 50 hp Buy or run away

It is a relatively simple, 15 minute fix, if that is truly the problem. You're going to have to learn how to change that water pump anyway. Use your buyers remorse rights, buy it, then if you can't fix it within 3 days, return it.

 

[chum1]

Re: Mercury 50 hp Buy or run away

if you like the boat and the price is right, check compression, and see if it runs, if ok and the owner seems genuine i,d buy it, the shifting problem is a most common problem on assembly, your going to need to check the impeller also since that is probably screwed up too, compression check is most important.

 

[starcraft1982]

Re: Mercury 50 hp Buy or run away

There has to be a mechanic around you,or the boat,that would go w/you(for a fee)and check it over.Maybe cost you $50 or something,but if you really like the boat and your heart is set on it,would be worth the$$$ for peace of mind.You also could probably bargain the seller down and recoup the money you invest since hes not willing to fix it for you.And theres no reason he needs to know how much youre paying the guy to look at it.or even that hes a mechanic.He could be a knowledgeable cousin!

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Mercury 50 hp Buy or run away

I had a 1985 Merc/Mariner 50hp motor. It was the smoothest running 50 I've ever ran. Dropping the leg is simple and something you should learn about for maintenance in the long run.

How about asking him if you can try fixing it yourself before buying? Pick up a manual for this motor and give it a shot.

 

[turtles11756]

Re: Mercury 50 hp Buy or run away

check the transom and see if it's rotted . lift the motor from the lower skeg and see if the back of the boat flexes when you get the motor as high as it will go then get in the boat and see from the inside what the condition of the wood that the motor is hanging on with a screwdriver. also check the floor for soft spots. the mercs outlast these old boats easy if maintained right and the shifting problem might just be an easy fix . the seals not so easy. if it runs strong on the water and the price is good go for it . the best Mercury i have an 85hp 1977' in like new condition would not shift into forward when i bought it .took me an hour and a half to fix it ( I learned from this forum and the merc service manual)) and wouldn't part with it