1976 Mercury 850 value

[hockeynut19]

Check the trigger-wires they tend to corrode around the area where they're going under the fly-wheel and can cause misfires.
Don't cut corners when you are replacing wiring, it will come back & haunt you

If I tear into it I will replace them all one by one

 

[The Force power]

The control box has been replaced it has a date of 4/16/1989 stamped on it. Not to say that’s when it was replaced but yes it’s old…

That's odd, those newer style lever/controls have different plug to the motors Did the harness get hardwired into harness under the cowl?

 

[hockeynut19]

That's odd, those newer style lever/controls have different plug to the motors Did the harness get hardwired into harness under the cowl?

Should have said switch box

 

[Texasmark]

I had one of those, I bought new. One of the most reliable, easy starting (especially in winter) engine of any I ever had and roughly 20 engines of various brands. I used to laugh because at the ramp, there would be several boaters trying to get their engines to start and I'd back down the launch, get in, hit the starter, drive off, park it, park the trailer and get.

 

[The Force power]

One of the most reliable, easy starting engine

I would have to say the same about my 1978 50hp
Not so much for my 1975 65hp

 

[Texasmark]

I would have to say the same about my 1978 50hp
Not so much for my 1975 65hp

The 50 was probably a "Classic 4". Merc. made that engine long enough to get all the bugs out. Was the 65 a triple looper? Haven't heard a lot of good about the lower powered triples. I had the '02 90 triple and once it got enough fuel to start for the day, it was rock solid...had it for 10 years with no problems.....wasn't the launch pal as was the 850 however.

 

[racerone]

The early 3 cylinder 650 was cross scavenged.----In fact used the same pistons as the 2 cylinder 40 , 4 cylinder 80 and the 6 cylinder in line 90 / 115 HP motors.----The early 3 cylinder 650 did not make the top 10 on the hit parade.

 

[The Force power]

The 50 was probably a "Classic 4". Merc. made that engine long enough to get all the bugs out. Was the 65 a triple looper? Haven't heard a lot of good about the lower powered triples. I had the '02 90 triple and once it got enough fuel to start for the day, it was rock solid...had it for 10 years with no problems.....wasn't the launch pal as was the 850 however.

No, I think the "classic 4" was before that & was actually a 45hp
But yes to the 65hp was a three banger & what I heard from the old school guys;
the top cylinder would always go due lack of cooling as all the water passing over the top cylinders has passed the #3/#2 first.
Having said that, it was better on gas than the 50 & more power

 

[The Force power]

The early 3 cylinder 650 was cross scavenged.----In fact used the same pistons as the 2 cylinder 40 , 4 cylinder 80 and the 6 cylinder in line 90 / 115 HP motors.----The early 3 cylinder 650 did not make the top 10 on the hit parade.

Wasn't the 70hp with the clamshell cowl the same? (as in issues)

 

[racerone]

Sure the 70 was the same.-----And had the same issues with top cylinder.----I have a few for parts.-----Not my favourite motor.

 

[The Force power]

Sure the 70 was the same.-----And had the same issues with top cylinder.----I have a few for parts.-----Not my favourite motor.

The only good thing on the was the Cowl (more access to the lower part) however the all cracked