20hp parts compatablity 1976-1078

[piggy]

I have a 200 model 20hp mercury 1978 tiller with bad starter. I am thinking of changing to a pull start. I can get a recoil starter and a top cowling for motor from a fellow off a 1976 model 200. Need to replace the top cowl because mine don't have hole for recoil rope. Have not looked yet but I may need flywheel also do to mine may not be compatable with recoil starter. Does anyone know if these parts a interchangable. This motor was remote el. start at one time, but a tiller handel was put on and they must have left the cowling off to start it with a rope. Any help or information would be great. Thanks

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 20hp parts compatablity 1976-1078

The recoil should be a simple bolt-on. If your flywheel doesn't have the "ratchet assembly" (which is what the recoil starter engages) you'll either need to swap flywheels or bolt up a ratchet assy to your existing flywheel.

Here's a typical flywheel assy parts breakdown which shows the recoil ratchet:

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...ION+COIL,+STATOR+AND+SWITCH+BOX(GROUP+NO.+15)

Look up parts by serial # and you can compare for compatibility:

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selectModels3.asp?type_id=MERC

HTH.........ed