just bought a small boat with a 1979 Mercury 850. Haven't had an outboard since the 70's. Need basic info on how to operate the side mount control and what oil fuel mixture ratio I should be using. Any basic information will be greatly appreciated.
If the control has a small lever just in front of the key, that is for cold start. To cold start this motor, lift it all the way up, make sure the fuel primer bulb is pumped hard, and hold the choke buton while cranking. When she starts, you may lower the cold start lever to keep her runing. When warm, push the lever all the way down, and you will then be able to put her in gear.