Mercury Thunderbolt year?

warpedone

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May 27, 2007
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2
I know you've seen this post a million times but I've been through the forums and can't find the answer.
I have a Mercury Thunderbolt 50. It is black with a blue stripe under the mercury logo. I can't use the serial number as it has been worn off over the years as the steering has rubbed it away. The serial plate was on the front of the motor under the steering mechanism. It is also a pull start if this helps.
Thanks in advance.
 

Plainsman

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 2, 2006
Messages
4,062
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

Welcome to iboats!! The serial number might be stamped into the engine block, have a look. It will be 7 or 8 digits. Without it, getting the year is very, very hard for us to give you.
 

warpedone

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May 27, 2007
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2
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

Thanks
Any Idea where they would have stamped the serial into the block? I've been all over it and haven't seen anything that looks like a serial number.
 

Plainsman

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 2, 2006
Messages
4,062
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

Mine is on the starboard side towards the rear. If the engine isn't clean, you may have a harder time finding it. HTH
 

TriadSteeler

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 26, 2006
Messages
237
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

Post a pic of the starboard side of the motor with all cowlings removed. We may be able to help a little better
 

Scaaty

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May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

There should be a number stamped on the block right side somewhere...look under rubber hoses.. maybe covered up
 

compfast

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Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
44
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

dscf1312fa2.jpg
Can you guys tell me what the year is of this motor?........
it's a 650 Merc 4cyl 65 HP.........

stamped on the motor is: Panther 834-3997................is this the serial ?
.............................
and I thought maybe the number in the photo might be the serial # also

dscf1314rt7.jpg
 

compfast

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
44

compfast

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
44
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

Can you guys tell me what the year is of this motor?........
it's a 650 Merc 4cyl 65 HP.........

stamped on the motor is: Panther 834-3997................is this the serial ?
.............................
and I thought maybe the number in the photo might be the serial # also


dscf1321es5.jpg


dscf1312hb7.jpg


dscf1314pf2.jpg
 

OldMercsRule

Captain
Joined
Nov 30, 2006
Messages
3,340
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

Thanks
Any Idea where they would have stamped the serial into the block? I've been all over it and haven't seen anything that looks like a serial number.

My silver block inline6(s) mid 1960s to 1972 have the serial numbers stamped on the flange from the block the starter motor bolts up too. My later model black block inline6(s) have the serial numbers stamped, (I think on the starboard side, as is the starter is), right next to the place the two halves of the block bolt together. Since you have a blue decal I would suspect the later model, but that is easy to swap (for a different look). Hope that helps. JR
 

OldMercsRule

Captain
Joined
Nov 30, 2006
Messages
3,340
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

Can you guys tell me what the year is of this motor?........
it's a 650 Merc 4cyl 65 HP.........

stamped on the motor is: Panther 834-3997................is this the serial ?
.............................
and I thought maybe the number in the photo might be the serial # also


dscf1321es5.jpg


dscf1312hb7.jpg


dscf1314pf2.jpg

The serial number for that 650 is at the base of the powerhead as you face the front of the engine, (not where you are looking), on the clamp between the two screw clamps or on the starter flange on the starboard side of the block. It is likely a 1968-1970 based on the look of the beast. JR
 

compfast

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
44
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

Thanks, i found it on the starter flange

The serial is 2805901
 

jddenham

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 8, 2006
Messages
393
Re: Mercury Thunderbolt year?

Back to the original poster:

If your engine has a distributor, it is 1975 or earlier, I think the blue band started 1973 so that puts it in that range.

If it has no distributor and one coil per cylinder it is 1976 or newer. Hope this helps.
 
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