850 Merc

[Derekc294]

Hello all-
I keep my boat at the lake house 5 hours away so I’m attempting to get what I need and make a weekend trip up for the repair. I have a 1979 Ranger with a Mercruiser 850 that the lower end blew out of. Any idea on where I can buy one and which one I need from the photos attached? The local place has not been helpful

 

[Derekc294]

[No message]

 

[Derekc294]

Another pic

 

[Derekc294]

Thank you in advance and any information is helpful at this point.

 

[Chris1956]

The good news is that there were many gearcases that are compatible with your motor sold by Merc in the 70's and early 80's. The gearcases from Merc inline 4 and 6 cyljnder motors will fit, however, the IL6 gearcases may be a different gear ratio. IL6 gearcases were 2::1. Some or all IL4 gearcases were 2.3::1.

The bad news is that I do not know of an aftermarket gearcase that will fit. You might check SEI. If no go, you will need to buy one used. Where are you located?

 

[racerone]

Agreed there should be lots of those around.-------You are likely too far away for me to help.

 

[Derekc294]

The pics were from when I put it away. The engine is a 4 cylinder and runs great. Well it was great until I failed to drain the lower end all the way before storage. I always kept it home in a heated garage and I’m paying for it now. The boats in Michigan outside Traverse City. Are there any reputable places to buy a reman?

 

[Faztbullet]

A I-6 wont work as ratio..need a 4 cylinder unit from a: 650/75/80/85/800/850

 

[Derekc294]

Are there different sizes or are they all the same? Referring to the shaft size that goes up to go from forward to reverse

 

[The Force power]

Are there different sizes or are they all the same? Referring to the shaft size that goes up to go from forward to reverse

Are you referring to the shift-shaft? some had a square & some the spline ends

 

[merc850]

It's a 1974 model (it's an outboard not a stern drive) and uses a splined shaft like mine, look on ebay or a marina salvage yard or your local Mercury dealer. What damage occurred was there water in it that froze?

 

[Derekc294]

yes, I wasn’t sure if there were different shift shafts that I’d have to be specific on what I needed.


The lower blew out from water being inside it and it’s cracked.

 

[merc850]

I bought a complete motor for $200 which provides me with spare parts including a usable LU, I think this is the way to go.

 

[Derekc294]

I bought a complete motor for $200 which provides me with spare parts including a usable LU, I think this is the way to go.

Great idea. I’m going to see if I can locate one.

 

[sidingguy]

Check ----- list ,several in boat parts central mi.

 

[Derekc294]

Check ----- list ,several in boat parts central mi.

Where can I find that? Would you have a link?

 

[racerone]

Craiglist ----Is a popular buy / sell site.-------Many lower units available east of you across Lake Huron.

 

[Buckischloo]

I bought a similar vintage 85 Mercury in great shape a couple of years ago for $350. When I came home, my wife asked if anything was wrong with it. I said yeah, just one thing ……. it came with a free boat and trailer. I later sold the boat and trailer for $150.
Be patient and informed. Quite a few of those around. If you are willing to deal with it, sometimes the best deals are on complete boats with motors. Folks just want that eyesore out of there. Lastly, you will learn a that complete parts motor can be had for less than the sum of the cost of the specific parts you need.

 

[Derekc294]

Thanks for the responses. The hardest thing is being so far away of it to make the repair

 

[Derekc294]

I’m pretty excited, I found a lower case that’s empty and sandblasted. Anything I should buy new that you guys recommend I replace while it’s apart? Anything that would be like preventative maintenance?

appreciate the help everyone! I also found a complete motor for 250.00 but it’s 5 hours away. Didn’t feel like taking the ride and the seller wasn’t entertaining the idea of meeting.