Dont know exactly where the serial number is to find out exactly what year this motor is. I have been a merc fan for most of my life but got a excellant deal on this boat so I bought it. Anyway, I do know that it is somewhere in the mid to late 70's 115 and it is the flat back design (no bubble). The problem I have is first when I got the boat put new plugs in,decarbed the motor,cleaned the carbs all the necessary things to a used motor. Put the muffs on it fired right up and idled like it was a new motor. Stab the throttle and it would hit the high rpms like a champ not only in neutral but also with it in gear. So I figured it was water ready. Took it to the lake (tournament of course) backed it off the trailer with no problems, got the go ahead signal, stabbed the throttle the boat leaped and I thought YEA good motor, then it happened. the motor didnt die but it got progressivley got worse trying to start it, also wouldnt be able to stab the throttle at all without the rpms dying down. So put it back on the trailer brought it home. Being very mechanically inclined and somewhat knowledgable on these things started doing some checking. Some of the plugs where wet while others where not. Dont know if this motor has points or another type of ignition. The more I tryed to uncover the problem the worse the problem got till it now wont start. It does try to start but sneezes just before it starts therefore it wont start. So PLEASE someone help me with this. I need to know where to look for the serial number and the where if there is a place online to cross reference this serial number so I know what year it is and if anyone knows what may be the problem or where to look I would greatly appreciate some help. Oh by the way I was told dont know if its true or not but supposedly the 115 carbs and heads where taken off and the 140 carbs and heads where put on.
