Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

rmj2844 · Oct 1, 2007

I have a Mercury outboard ser# 5092526

My research has led me to think it is a 1500XS 1978 155hp inline 6
The cowl on the engine and what I thought I had was a 1400 140hp unknown year inline 6. Is it possible that the transom bracket, where the serial number is, is swaped or that the cowl is from another engine? What yr/model is that ser #? Thank you in advance!

erniex · Oct 1, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

You can check the year based on the serial number at oldmercs.com

EE

Laddies · Oct 1, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

There were no US built 150s ever built with that high of serial numbers it's probably a 1978 140HP like you thought you bought but with older inline sixes anything is possible they are starting to be mixed and matched more and more some with very good results

rmj2844 · Oct 1, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

I had looked on oldmercs.com and that is where I became confused. This is what it said on oldmercs.com

Merc 1500XS
(Inline 6) 155hp 4567952 thru 4855152 1977
4868648 thru 5168573 1978

The only listing for a 1400 model was in 1972. I tried to do my research because I know yr/model questions are constant on here. Was the 1400 made in other years? Can the mount be from some other engine?

Scaaty · Oct 1, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

The old inlines have always been abused, beat to death, pistons melted replaced with what ever block was ready (they were raced a lot)..etc..l had a 74 150..holed #3 on a bad timing idea...replaced wit a 76 150XS block)...
The crank up 72 rebuild "Franken Merc" I have now is mess of old parts, a 115, rebuilt to 135 specs..
No way to tell what ya own without a tear down, or history of the motor..
PS..if ya got a louvered wrap...good shot its an XS..if not..dust in the wind..

rmj2844 · Oct 2, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

Thanks for the help gents. I believe it is a 1400. Engine runs amazing though it may need some gearcase work (rough grind on shift and rpms go up on its own underway at or about planing speed) This board is a great resource I appreciate the help. As my winter work begins I'll be around here quite abit I believe.

1730V · Oct 2, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

Rough shift? Don't let it, shift QUICKLY. Do not ease it into gear.

Engine speeds up? Could be spun prop hub or she's leaning out on you. Mark the outer prop hub and the prop shaft. The two marks should stay aligned.

Chris1956 · Oct 2, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

RMJ - Merc 1400s were also made in 1978 and possible 1979, before they were discontinued. The '79 models had ADI ignition. The last distributor inline six was '77 or '78.

OldMercsRule · Oct 2, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

Chris1956 said:
RMJ - Merc 1400s were also made in 1978 and possible 1979, before they were discontinued. The '79 models had ADI ignition. The last distributor inline six was '77 or '78.

No Chris, I own a 1979 115 with a distributer.

My son's 1981 has six coils dunno about the 1980.

As to the serial numbers I would make sure the serial number on the block (where they bolt together on the black blocks), matches the motor bracket.

My 1969 1000 has an earlier bracket where the numbers don't match.

Good Luck JR

rmj2844 · Oct 2, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

I will look on the block to find the serial number. I bought this boat/engine in spring and it was good to go. Used it all summer, no problems. Now its out of the water and I'm going to give it some love.

I do shift crisply but still get some grind. About the rpms, I did suspect the hub being spun. Trust me, as soon as I know what I have, get a manual, and parts catalog. I will be back with some more questions.

Thanks RMJ

rmj2844 · Oct 5, 2007

Re: Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

It is a 1978 1400 Tower of Power!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for the help

Mercury Outboard Mismatched?

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