Mercury 85 hp need to figure out year.

Hello - We were recently given a 16 foot OWEN with a 85 hp outboard motor. We are trying to get up to speed on how to repair, tune and maintain the motor. Several questions below:

(1) We are trying to find out what year the motor is - serial number is 7044589.

(2) The controls for the boat has two levers - one for putting the boat in forward and reverse and the other for throttle (we assume). The control box also has a "choke" button. What is the recommended location for the levers for starting this motor.

(3) The motor will drain the battery before it starts the engine. We did get it going three weeks ago and ran up and down the lake with it but later it would not restart again. Any suggestions on where we start to figure out what is wrong.

(4) I assume that once we know the year we will be able to source a repair and maintenance manual on line - any suggestions one manual over another

Greatly appreciate your help in getting us started on this.

Re: Mercury 85 hp need to figure out year.

Get on the maxrules.com website and look in the Merc model year guide. Check the canadian serial numbers as well, to determine year.

Get on the crowleymarine.com to look up parts for that motor. Post back on the year, and we may be able to help. It sounds like you have a good short circuit, if it is draining the battery that fast.