Newbie questions

[AD5GB]

Greetings,<br /><br />I just became the owner of a 16' craft with a 4 cyl Merc 50 on the back. The tag with the manual and such says Model 1500R SN 5798988. The SN matches the # on the casting plug. Not sure how to find the year. Anyone have a cross reference?<br /><br />Any opinions on this particular motor? I've always been a Johnson/Evinrude fan, but this thing really runs out nice, idles way way down smoothly, and seems very quiet. No bearing or piston noise to speak of. Maybe I'll become a Merc lover after all!<br /><br />Finally, I've contemplated putting water temp & pressure gauges on this thing. The motor sits on the transom such that it's hard to see the squirt hole. Worthwhile on this thing? Where would you put the plumbing & sending unit?<br /><br />Many thanks guys. This looks like a great place to hang out.<br /><br />Kind regards<br /><br />RD

 

[bob58]

Re: Newbie questions

your motor is a 1981

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Newbie questions

AD5GB <br /><br />A temp gauge would be a wise investment. Generally, on the back of the powerhead there is a blank hole with threads where the temp. sending unit screws in. Some you mount on a bracket so that the sensor just touches the head and detects the temp. Not sure on your model. Other merc guys will know and should respond. Other than that, you would mount a gauge in the dash and run a wire back to the sending unit. Very simple to do and well worth it. <br /><br />Here's a page worth checking out for what's needed:<br /><br /> web page

 

[Jerry M.]

Re: Newbie questions

AD, I have a 92' Merc 50 3/cyl. that I'm planning to add a temp gauge to. Right in the center of the block there is a 3/8 brass plug where I will add the sender. Mount the gauge on the dash. Kit from Mercury costs about $100. Boaters World has sender for $8.00 and Gauge for $20. Couple bucks for wire. <br /><br />Jerry

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: Newbie questions

AD- imho-I think that a water pressure gauge is quicker to respond than a temperature gauge. There is a brass plug on the top rear left (looking from the rear) that you can remove and install a brass fitting into and run a pressure line to a gauge on the dash, I recommend a 0 to 15 psi gauge. Kit costs about 30 dollars. This will tell you water pressure and or lack there of. Mine saved me when I was running across the lake and aplastic bag got wrapped around my LU shutting off the water supply. It was immediately noticeable and I shutdown quick, saved my old motor.

 

[AD5GB]

Re: Newbie questions

Thanks a lot everyone. I decided to go "all out" and got a bunch of gauges (water temp, water press, volt meter, tach and speedo) from SurplusUnlimited. Just have to get it all hooked up. I found the plug in the head for the temp sender. I'll have to look again a little closer for the plug for the water pressure.