[Huron Angler]

I'm looking at a used 7.5 that the seller says is "older"- my question is: did the 1970s-80s Merc 7.5 have reverse on them?

I was under the impression that they all did. The seller says this one doesn't and that you just "start her up and go" He is selling for $175 so it may very well be older than 70s. He did not post a picture.

I'm wondering if the reverse may be broken on this particular motor or if it was designed either w/out or to turn 180 degrees for reverse like many older outboards.

Also if people have experience with a Merc 7.5 I would be interested in how they performed and held up for you.

Thanks

[steam_mill]

I think the seller is not lying to you. These motors did have reverse. However, the reverse was just about useless. I've had two of these motors and posted on here a few years ago regarding reverse performance.

If you are in clear water (ie. no weeds), reverse will work, very, very slowly.

If there are any weeds at all, reverse will just stop spinning.

This was the impetus for getting rid of these motors. I back into my dock with the fishing boat. Could not do it with these motors easily.


Here's my thread from years gone by...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=14858
Joe

[Huron Angler]

Thanks Joe, I appreciate the link and advice. I really don't need reverse since I do have a Minn Kota I can spin around whichever way I need to go

Did you like the 7.5 Mercs besides the reverse issues? How fast did they push the 12' boat? (ballpark)

[Chinewalker]

I've never had a problem using reverse on any of the 7.5/9.8 Mercs I've had. May point to an issue with prop selection - some props work better in reverse than others. May also point to an exhaust relief being clogged up, as the exhaust exits the prop while underway, but most will exit up top when at idle or in reverse. If that is plugged up, exhaust bubbles will reduce prop efficiency in reverse.

As for the motor in question, it may be an older green tanker Merc, from the late 1940s-early 1950s. Models KE4, Mk7 and KG4 were all noted as 7.5hp, and all were direct drive - no neutral or reverse...

[Huron Angler]

As for the motor in question, it may be an older green tanker Merc, from the late 1940s-early 1950s. Models KE4, Mk7 and KG4 were all noted as 7.5hp, and all were direct drive - no neutral or reverse...

Chinewalker- I think you may be on to something there, I was assuming(incorrectly) it was not quite that old.

Seller's description[I have a good running 7.5 hp mercury outboard motor for sale. I do not know the year? It doesnt have nutral or reverse you just pull and go. asking $175.00 or best offer. I have no pics.]

I believe you hit the nail on the head as far as the vintage.

I've been playing phone tag with the seller so haven't found out what she looks like yet.

That begs a new question...are the gas line plugs on the 40s/50s outboards the same as newer Mercs? I already have a quicksilver tank that is precipitating me wanting to buy a Merc 7.5 and wouldn't want an older one unless the gas line will be compatible. Not the most difficult thing to change out but it is almost brand new so I'd like to use it.

Thanks for the info

[Huron Angler]

Update>> The seller called me back and Chinewalker is exactly correct(as suspected) the Merc is a Green tanker.

I apparently need to read more closely since I was asking if a "Green tanker" used the same fuel plug as the newer...obviously being that the tank is mounted on the outboard there would be no fuel line required LOL

Thanks for helping out

I'm probably going to keep looking for a newer 7.5 Merc...unless anyone can convince me that $175 is a good price and the green tankers are worthwhile and reliable. He said on the phone that it runs great he simply upgraded to a newer 7.5 Merc himself.