Seeking Quick Advice: 71 Mercury 50hp

[TwoWatt]

Hi All.<br />I am here seeking advice on what I should do with my motor. <br />It is now at a dealers shop. So far they replaced the timing belt & checked compression (which checked out good). <br />They say it's still not getting spark so believe the problem is with the cap & rotor.<br />Cap & rotor alone is like $250 to replace. <br />Once we get the spark & compression, we'll then have to see if we can get fuel. <br />The motor hasn't been run in who-knows how long. <br /><br />Is this motor worth saving? I figure even I put a $1000 into it to get it running it would be cheaper than buying another engine. What kind of problems would we run into with the fuel system. <br />I always thought compression was the "big thing"<br />Should I have this dealer continue on working on it? Advice? <br />If I should be asking anything else let me know.<br />Thanks.

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: Seeking Quick Advice: 71 Mercury 50hp

Anyone?

 

[rocks]

Re: Seeking Quick Advice: 71 Mercury 50hp

Sounds like it will be brand new when it's done.You should keep it if the compression is good.You will probably need a new carb. before all said and done.

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: Seeking Quick Advice: 71 Mercury 50hp

Me again.<br />Just a update. I took the boat from the dealer & cut my loss at $125 for what they did.<br />They're saying the distributor cap is NOT AVAILABLE & not made anymore..........<br />HUH!!!! ??? I checked this with several dealers to be true. How could they make caps for older model merc engines but quit making them for my poor 50.??<br />Way to go mercury. You just created a obselete motor. <br />(btw. I am taking the motor to a "backyard Joe's Fixem up marine shop" so we'll give him a shot at it. Beat's the dealer & their labor rates.

 

[NathanY]

Re: Seeking Quick Advice: 71 Mercury 50hp

I bet I can find one, post your serial number.

 

[Dekayed]

Re: Seeking Quick Advice: 71 Mercury 50hp

If you cant find what you are looking for new, sometimes used is better than none. Ebay is your friend. Use it.

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: Seeking Quick Advice: 71 Mercury 50hp

Yeah. I've been checking ebay. I think this cap CAN be cleaned & used again, but ..."what if" I ever need a new one.....? <br />If you can find me one that'd be great.<br />Here is my ser # 3175358. I found it too be a '71 Mercury 500 (50hp)<br />I "REALLY" want to get this motor working. <br />They make caps that go all the way back to 60's motors, but don't make this one? That's what chaps my a-ss <br /><br />BTW. I think I'm going to pull the motor & leave it with backyard joe (he is a friend of a friend that doesn't have a real job, just works on boats out of his backyard)

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: Seeking Quick Advice: 71 Mercury 50hp

Sorry to double post. But I'm happy. <br />Just talked with the guy he said "no problem, drop it off & we'll get it running, I have a bunch of parts for that motor" <br />I think I may have just found my "Mechanic" <br /><br /><br />Now back to the fishing forum where I belong