Mercury Controls Help

[horseflysc]

I just bought a "New to me" 1979 Mecury 1400 140HP OB w/tilt and trim. It has the 7 pin connector. Prevoius owner included a 2 foot 7 pin wiring harness that hooked to the motor. Motor is in excellent shape for its age. Being that I did not have a motor on the boat I bought over the winter I need to find some side mount controls! This task is daunting to me as I've never had an OB before. What should I be searching for? Can some other brands connect via wiring adaptor. Ebay has lots of stuff but all is non returnable so it's not a good deal if you find out it won't fit. Suggestions and help please. Thanks.

 

[*EdC*]

Re: Mercury Controls Help

Poke around the internet. Places like Doug Russell Marine, Crowley Marine etc. Most have online catalogs that may be of some help.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Mercury Controls Help

For a direct, plug-in compatible unit, you should be looking at what are called MerControl units. They were produced from the 60's to the early 80's I think. Earliest models were all white, then changed to black with red accents then to black with blue accents.

Should be lots available on ebay etc. The wire harness to the engine is hard wired to the controller so it should be included with the controller. The 7-pin connector is on the end of the harness. The harness is typically long enough to accomodate most boats.

The throttle and shift cables may or may not be included. You will need to get cables that are the right length for your boat.

Make sure you get the keys for whatever you buy. Can be a real PITA trying to find the right key for a 40 year old ignition switch but they do exist.

One thing to be aware of is that the old Merc wiring is notorious for going bad. The insulation gets hard and crumbles off the wire leaving bare conductors exposed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MerC...4269421QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vint...0213058QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...5270344QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Mercury Controls Help

There are also brand new controls and cables that are compatable with that motor. The wiring will not be however, but would be adaptable.