What year is my Mercury 500 thunderbolt

[Ericfranck]

i just picked up a mercury 500 thunderbolt 50 hp 4 cylinder, 2 stroke. i cant find the year anywhere. the serial number on the plack reads 3243417.
no one i talk to on the phone at any marine shops can seem to find this serial number anywhere. its the blue stripe with chrome trim.
i also can not get spark on any of the 4 plugs. another number i found on the engine is 831-3719, but i dont think thats the right number. please help if someone can help me find out the year of this motor, 3243417

 

[ShadowB]

Re: What year is my Mercury 500 thunderbolt

Looks Like a 1972 model.

The serial number was on a plate riveted to the swivel bracket above and between the clamp screws..
Serial numbers 2736807 thru 2951848 were 1970 models.
Serial numbers 3008819 thru 3176682 were 1971 models.
Serial numbers 3235063 thru 3352154 were 1972 models.
Serial numbers 3478003 thru 3816307 were 1973 models.
1970-73 Merc 500's were produced in Merc 500M (Manual Starting, Short Shaft,) Merc 500ML (Manual Starting, Long Shaft,) Merc 500E (Electric Starting, Short Shaft, with Alternator) and Merc 500EL (Electric Starting, Long Shaft, with Alternator)


http://store.eastcoastmarineservice.com/category_s/2687.htm

When researching my ol' Merc 200 I found there are a LOT of great threads on the iboat forum site concerning old Mercs. Do a search and you'll find tons of info.

 

[mj37kennedy]

I just acquired a old mercury 500 with thunderbolt ignition serial number 7032000 any ideas on it's year

 

[flyingscott]

Canadian built motor 1974 Don't post in 7 year old threads. Start your own

50

1974

M

3816308 - 4140999

7030748

50

1975

ML

4141000 - 4357639

7051983