Recent content by TheGeek

Howdy, I am currently in the middle of a transom replacement on my '73 Starcraft SS16. I have it all ready to go back together with a new core, but I would like to protect the transom skin that the core rests on from corroding further than it has already (the skin has pitting). I'm looking into...

Howdy, Quick question, is a 1973 Mercury 850 4 cyl. internally or externally balanced? Thank you!

Howdy, So I'm the final stages of a rebuild on a 1973 Mercury 850 o/b and I been looking everywhere for the torque specs for the flywheel bolts, the 8 or so that hold it to the pulley on top of the crank. It doesn't say in the manual or in the seloc service manual. Does anyone know the value or...

Hello, I have a '73 Merc 850 which runs great now that I have put some time into getting it running. So now I want it to last as long as possible and I was wanting to know if it is bad to run the motor at WOT frequently? The motor seems more stable and vibrates less when at WOT, we typically...

Hello, I have a 73' 850 and the shift rod came out when I pulled the lower unit off from the motor. Whenever I try to replace it it hits the top of the shift cam or the bottom of the gear case and won't align. Is there any way to get the shift cam to align with the shift rod without...

Hello, I have a 1973 850 with serial number: 3744577. I am currently in the process of replacing a stretched timing belt. I have the old one off as well as the pulley and am realigning the motor with the distributor. The timing decal has been completely removed from the flywheel as well the...

Hello, would anyone know the torque specs for the water pump housing nuts and bolt in the lower unit of an '73 850 85 hp motor? Thank you.

Hello, I have recently purchased a boat with a blue banded 1973 Mercury 850 85hp motor with the Thunderbolt ignition. Apart from the wiring which I am currently repairing the motor cannot go into reverse. It can effortlessly engage the forward gear and, with a bit of persuasion, disengage and...