68' and 74' Mercury 500 compatible?

[nathanhooper]

I have an opportunity to purchase the 74' at a decent price I believe, but it needs a new lower end. It is torn up pretty bad. I also have a guy that has a 68' for a fair price. Will parts on the two swap out? Will the lower units swap out? Thanks guys for the help.

serial numbers off the top of my head are 24xxxxx on the 68' and 38xxxxx on the 74'.

 

[cannonford57]

Re: 68' and 74' Mercury 500 compatible?

may be mistaken but i believe the 68 will have a square shift shaft while the 74 will have the typical splined shaft...drive shaft is the same...its a bit of work but you can swap the shift cam and shaft..someone with the part breakdowns can verify...4 what its worth...good luck

 

[Aqualift]

Re: 68' and 74' Mercury 500 compatible?

The 68 has a splined shift shaft. If your 74 has the serial number you showed, I think you can swap lower units.

 

[nathanhooper]

Re: 68' and 74' Mercury 500 compatible?

yea, here are the definite serial numbers. 2479292 and 3823066. Still think it will work out?

 

[Aqualift]

Re: 68' and 74' Mercury 500 compatible?

According to some of the parts diagrams that I'm looking at, most of the part numbers are the same. There were a few changes in the housing though. The 74 has a removable intake screen on the lower unit. But I'm not going to say 100 percent. Only 99% until somebody else can confirm.