Mercury 500

[cuba #534]

I have bought an older boat with a merc 500. I know nothing about outboards, but like to tinker. My first question is how do I determine what year it is? The only number I can find is s/n 332-5772a1 which is rivited on the right hand side of the engine.Is this the number I need or is it elsewhere.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Mercury 500

No. Thats the part number of the switch box on a decal on thef box, that makes the engine newer than 76 and older than 86. The serial number should be on the front of the tilt bracket, some engines are stamped into the top of the powerhead above the exhaust plates and some on a soft plug on the crankcase.

 

[cuba #534]

Re: Mercury 500

Thank you for your reply. I started to post another message but hit a button by accident and sent only a partial message.
I bought a 1977 15' Arrowcraft with a mercury 500. It has been setting in the weeds for the last 4 years. But for $300 I figured that I could have a toy to play with. What manual would you suggest that I get that would provide me with the most useful info. I have done some rewiring, pulled the carbs and cleaned them, it will fire with the help of a little started fluid but not stay running.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Mercury 500

Try to find a OEM manual on ebay is possiblw new they are kinda pricey and the more common brands lack a lot of info. Don't use starting fluid on the engine it will damage it, use some fuel mix in a squirt can, sounds like the carbs need cleaning.

 

[jmnikoli]

Re: Mercury 500

About a Merc 500 manual,
About a monthpast, I bought a 557 page manual on CD from
jakdistributers3451 on ebay. I think I paid $10-12 + shipping.
I have a 1971 Merc 500 and the manual is the OEM correct one.
My motor runs perfect on the 1972 14' fiberform I just Purchased.
Good luck with yours.