Missing transum mount ID tag..Any other way to ID motor year?

[DaveHawkins]

I picked up what looks to be an 80's 20hp Merc tiller handle short shaft motor. I have owned 3 other small merc motors and they all had an ID plate on the transom mounting bracket. I can not find an ID tag on this motor anywhere. I am hoping it wasn't stolen at one time and the tag removed to conceal the origin of the motor. Anyway, is there another way to more positively ID this motor? It would be nice to know what year it is.

Thanks

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Missing transum mount ID tag..Any other way to ID motor year?

Look on top of the motor for a round plug. The serial no may be stamped in it.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Missing transum mount ID tag..Any other way to ID motor year?

Do what I've done on more than one occasion, look through the online parts catalogs and identify it by it's particularities. like obvious style, ignition, or carb types.

 

[DaveHawkins]

Re: Missing transum mount ID tag..Any other way to ID motor year?

Thanks for the replies. I will look closer on top of the motor for a stamped number and also try comparing parts online to try and narrow the year down.

I went to a local Mercury dealer today. I wanted to buy a carb diaphragm. (I pulled the carb off to clean it). Bought the carb in and he was able to match up the numbers on the carb to sell me a rebuild kit, but not able to use that to pin point the year of the motor.