Serial number stress

[azzmack]

I know this question has been asked a thousand times, but for the life of me, I can't relate the information you guys have supplied to clarify what my outboard actually is so that I can order manuals and parts :-(
It is an older 3cyl that has a 50hp cowl. The serial number on the transom bracket is not readable and all I can find are two lots of numbers...
8658361 on the side of the block, and
1025-8363 next to the middle spark plug
Please help me...

 

[Scott Danforth]

in the stickies are links to on-line manuals, no need to buy one.

 

[Faztbullet]

Does it have a distributer or switchbox??? How about a picture???

 

[DavidMoore]

Probably not much help but;

025-8363 is the P/N of the water jacket cover for 50HP 3 cyl engine, the cowl matches the engine which is nice to know I suppose.

When the serial number on the transom bracket can't be read, it can sometimes be found on a freeze plug. Looks similar to these,
https://www.perfprotech.com/blog/ma...ry-marine-outboard-motor-serial-number-number

http://forums.iboats.com/filedata/fetch?id=7032568&d=1400687682

 

[SoCalBoatGuy]

I think I've got it figured out. The "8" is actually a "B" and they don't print the leading "0". Try looking up 0B658361. It's probably a late '80s 3 cyl 50 horse with 2 carbs. I've got the same motor.

 

[SoCalBoatGuy]

No Title

Does it look like this?

 

[azzmack]

Does it look like this?

Yes mine looks exactly like those photos

 

[azzmack]

Probably not much help but;

025-8363 is the P/N of the water jacket cover for 50HP 3 cyl engine, the cowl matches the engine which is nice to know I suppose.

When the serial number on the transom bracket can't be read, it can sometimes be found on a freeze plug.

I can't find a plug with anything stamped on it

 

[SoCalBoatGuy]

No Title

I think we have the same motor. On the top rear starboard side of the engine, there should be a silver freeze plug. It's kinda behind the switch box. I didn't see mine the first few times I looked. It will have your serial number. It probably starts with a "B", not an "8". Then, most of the parts sites expect there to be a leading zero, so I'm betting your serial number is "0B658361"

 

[azzmack]

No Title

 

[azzmack]

When I put OB658361 into a serial no search it comes up as a stern drive mercruiser :-/

 

[Fun Times]

To help narrow this down some for a parts guide, Since 1025-8363 = 8364A which = a cover used between 1980 - 90 which this cover only fits within the two following serial number ranges for the 50 HP 3 cylinder engine. http://www.nlamarine.com/products/me...nt=11073296389 50 (3 CYL.) - 6428681 THRU 0B122929 50 (3 CYL.) - 0B122930 THRU 0D000749

While 08658361 looks like it could be close to a serial number, you're correct that it isn't coming up as one no matter what letter you put in place of the 8. Also it looks like possibly your welch plugs were changed out somewhere along the line due to the color of your vs SoCalBoatGuy which his is an 1987 engine year.

Sometimes the engine starter has a date code on it too.

 

[SoCalBoatGuy]

This is the manual I use, if that helps at all:
http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercury/manua...89_40-115.html

Flipping through chapter 3, you may be able to determine if your is a 1986-1990 (starts on 3-5) or 1991+ (starts on 3-27)

 

[dpmsgeek]

Do you have a square fuel pump or triangle? Late 86 on up used the square.

 

[azzmack]

No Title

Do you have a square fuel pump or triangle? Late 86 on up used the square.

 

[dpmsgeek]

It looks to me to be a 1986 6428681 - 0B122929. Just a guess based on the fuel pump. In 1987 they started to use a different pump on the 50HP and I thought the 50 HP previous to 86 was a 4 cylinder.

 

[azzmack]

Ok, so I know I need a new starter...will there be a generic one that fits all the models around mine Do You think?

 

[dpmsgeek]

Not to generic. I think the 40 - 50 -60 used the same one - 44369A1

 

[azzmack]

Not to generic. I think the 40 - 50 -60 used the same one - 44369A1

Is that the part number dpmsgeek?

 

[dpmsgeek]

That is the part number I see on the merc blow out for that year.