Old Mercury 50 HP Help

[csvencer]

Unfortunately it's been sitting for about three years now so carbs are gunked and starter is shot so I don't think she is going to be up and running before the sale. Pretty much banking on it being scrap without hearing it run so I don't get screwed down the line. The boat looks like a pretty sweet deal, just what I have been looking for, a little creek runner, nothing special.

-Svence

[spareparts]

put a et of brushes in the starter, check compresion, if its good, keep going. if its bad, make a yard ornament out of it. BTW, thats one of the smoothest running small motors ever, it will probably idle better then most with one dead cylinder

[csvencer]

So if it checks out in decent shape I should go for it? Sounds like a little cash to clean her up and it would be worth it. Thanks.

-Svence

[csvencer]

And does anyone know about that trim setup? Looks like the pump is inside the boat and the dash has a three button tilt/trim setup...

-Svence

[Blue_Runner]

Can you put a rope around the flywheel and check the compression?

[tsubaki]

There should be a release valve on the pump to be able to let it up and down manually, if need be.

[Bruce]

Great little motors, electrical system can be a pain in the ***.. The trim setup sounds about right for that era, should have 2 rams, one on either side of the motor if i remember correctly.

[brisboats]

That is one of the best Mercs made and I have been accused of not being a Mercury fan. But I will admit to owning a bunch of them. The inline 4 cylinder like that one was what I sought out for a tiller motor for my gutted 17' Whaler pickup truck. The motor became the classic "50" in 1986 and actaully had a 40 horspower rating due to the change to prop rated hp. My motor is a 1996 40hp rating but will outrun the porky mercaha 2002 Mercury four stroke 50hp it replaced. Idles just as smooth in my opinon and isn't terrible on gas.

Brian

[Stinky_Hooker]

Had one on a smaller boat years ago EXACTLY like that...very dependable and strong little motor. I agree with "brushes in starter, check compression, go from there"

[nipper]

My Dad had a 1972 Mercury 80 h.p. which looks exactly like that motor but with red instead of blue trim. Merc did not change those 4 and 6 cylinder motors for quite a while. It was a great motor for about 6 years but then starting having electrical issues. Dad was frequently changing "power packs." He was a PITA with Mercury though, and somehow kept getting Mercury to replace them at no charge.