[SeaHopper]

Hello. I am new to iboats and new to the boating world... So pardon me if my questions are ridiculously dumb...

I have identified the motor as being a 1970 Mercury 500 with Mercontoller. There are wires haninging from the mercontrol that I'm assuming should be attched to an ignition switch of some sort. The wire connects to the motor with a funky two prong adapter. Here is the thing... I'm not sure if this thing has electric ignition or if you only use the rope pull starter?? When I pull on the rope it does not spin the flywheel. AM I looking at a siezed motor? Or is there somekind of switch that will not allow the flywheel to spin? Is this thunderbolt ignition electric start or manual?

Thanks for your help!

[SeaKaye12]

Your engine is only seized if the flywheel itself won't turn. If you are pulling on a rope start, and that effort is not turning the flywheel; then you have issues with the starter.

Some engines won't allow engagement of the starter if the engine is in gear. Not sure if your Merc is set up that way; but it's something that you could check.

As for your wiring difficulties; if you furnish a serial number; I bet that one of the pros will post a wiring diagram for you.

Most engines of that size would have electric start; different from "electric ignition". Look for the starter motor (round looking thing that has a gear protruding from the top of it that can engage with the flywheel's teeth.

Just be careful before you hook up a battery; check your wiring for corrosion and bad connections.

Good Luck, and Welcome to i-boats!

Chuck