Was given Merc 4 HP - cant find year with serial number

[WA-Newb]

I was just given this little 4 hp Mercury that needs a starter recoil assembly (at least) but I cannot find the year of this one for some reason.
I have searched a couple of sites for the serial number: 9320524 but no results are found.

I also went through each 4 HP listed on this site and I saw two years that did not have serial numbers listed...1977 and 1979. My guess is the motor is around this age.

There is also a part number on the starter spring backing plate that I have searched for: 77874 and that too has given me nothing....errr...lol

Can someone help me out here...I want to see what these parts will run or if I can even get them.

Also...the starter assembly (spring, rope and sprocket that moves the flywheel) is non functioning / missing...is there another way to try and start this motor OR at least turn it over enough to check compression?

Thank you.

p.s. Motor is at parents and I didn't have camera at the time so no pics right now...sorry.

 

[WA-Newb]

Re: Was given Merc 4 HP - cant find year with serial number

Here are the pics of the motor.

 

[carholme]

Re: Was given Merc 4 HP - cant find year with serial number

That s/n comes up as a Belgium made engine:

4 40 1-cyl 9172806 - 1978 Belgium

9172806 was the first s/n produced in 1978 and they were not produced again until 1986 beginning with s/n 9448541

Therefore all s/ns between 9172806 and 9448540 were produced in 1978.

Parts listing:

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/472.cfm

Gerry

 

[mr-steve-jones]

Re: Was given Merc 4 HP - cant find year with serial number

Hello,
It's called a 4hp Gnat motor.
There's a guy starts his without the recoil ou you tube...
Search "1978 mercurt gnat"

Steve.

 

[WA-Newb]

Re: Was given Merc 4 HP - cant find year with serial number

Thanks Gerry...I don't know where you found that info but I appreciate it.
Now I can see why the guy gave me this...the parts are not available for it anymore

Steve...I just spent the last hour watching stupid youtube videos...gee...thanks...LOL
Just kidding....I did watch that video you said but then got side tracked on....well...I don't know really but I ended up wondering what the heck I was originally looking for when the surfing dog video was over....lol (youtubes video recommendations can be time killers)

Anyway back to the motor...I will sure be trying to start that by hand tomorrow but I really can't see that happening (at least by me) and I will now be able to at least look for used parts so thank you both

 

[WA-Newb]

Re: Was given Merc 4 HP - cant find year with serial number

Post Repeated and deleted

 

[mr-steve-jones]

Re: Was given Merc 4 HP - cant find year with serial number

I have the same problem finding parts.. I'm looking for carb spares at the moment that are listed as NLA.
Found out late yesterday that the carb stlyle seems like it is used worldwide on lawnmowers and snowblowers etc.. I searched for "Tecumseh" on a well known auction site, and there are many parts, including recoil assemblies that may or may not be either the same, or adaptable for the Gnat. A bit of digging points to "carter" carburetors.

Check out lawnmower spares for your recoil.. May be similar or useable?
The water pump impeller is still available to buy.

I need a fuel needle valve assy / seal, so I'm off out to lawnmower repair shops today as the Merc one looks very similar to a "carter model N" lawnmower carb.

Steve.