I have a 1975 Merc 500 Thunderbolt that needs help. I haven't used it in a few years and it is mounted on a project boat that I'd like to get fixed up. Prior to setting this motor aside, I had taken it into a marine repair shop to have them work on a shifting issue. As I recall, it had a hard time shifting to reverse. Anyway, the guy dis-assembled the lower unit then said he couldn't get it to go back together. I think he said something about gearing being worn or something? Gave it back in pieces, literally in a plastic bag. I actually got the lower unit pieced back together and back into place myself. I'm pretty sure it's not right. Lesson learned.
I'm a newbie to outboards so this seems like a great project to cut my teeth. The top end ran fine last time it was running, but the lower unit needs to be gone thru along with the prop kits, etc. I'm not sure exactly what will need replacing (or what may be missing), but a parts list for the lower unit and prop shaft would help me identify what I need to do. The SN is #4284415. I'd like to do this myself and not break the bank on an old motor, but it's a shame to leave it sitting around when I'm pretty sure it's serviceable. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I'm a newbie to outboards so this seems like a great project to cut my teeth. The top end ran fine last time it was running, but the lower unit needs to be gone thru along with the prop kits, etc. I'm not sure exactly what will need replacing (or what may be missing), but a parts list for the lower unit and prop shaft would help me identify what I need to do. The SN is #4284415. I'd like to do this myself and not break the bank on an old motor, but it's a shame to leave it sitting around when I'm pretty sure it's serviceable. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.