mariner 20 Is mine one of the Japanese units?

[mati]

I aquired a Mariner 20 (canadian) ser #7224445. No one can seem to trace the serial number. Have tried several dealers. I figure this motor can't be too old as it's in mint condition. It can't be more than 10 years old. I have a Seloc manual for mariners between 1977 to 1989 and looking at the powerhead break downs can't find anything similar. Is it possible this motor is Japanese(yamaha). If in fact it turns out to be Japanese whats the deal in terms of quality etc compared to an American built version.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: mariner 20 Is mine one of the Japanese units?

I expect that's Canadian assembled of American components. Regarding quality, can you think of much of anything mechanical anymore that isn't made better by the Japanese? Not that it makes the American product Bad, just not as good (IMHO). Mercury makes a lot of things very well, and Bombardier's Johnnyrudes promise to be a beacon. But Merc is perpetually in the Reliability Basement in comparison to pretty much all of the competition when you look at the entire lineup. The exceptions are the ones that have Japanese powerheads. Now that they've totally alienated all of their Japanese suppliers, they're scrambling to fill in the gaps for 2006. Gonna be some pretty big ones, I expect. I don't see that helping Mercury's reliability reputation anytime soon. Rushing product to market always creates problems. Merc has a long history of burning bridges while they're sill on them. You'd think they'd learn from their past mistakes. But Nooooo! <br /><br />But I digress... <br />Check the fasteners. If they're metric, it's Japanese. Most metric bolts have a number formed right on the head.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: mariner 20 Is mine one of the Japanese units?

also look at the ign coils and the CDI. if they say made in japan odds are its a japenese unit. merc has struck a deal with tohatsu to supply them with small motors. at least until they get their new chinese plant into production swing. romour has it that 2 china plants are in the deal. one opened last febuary.<br /> fon Du Lac workers should be nervous .<br />or be ready to work for 10 dollars a day 2 bowls of rice and a fish head.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: mariner 20 Is mine one of the Japanese units?

Are you certain of the s/n ? Is the number taken from the powerhead or from the transom bracket ? Strange there is no record of that number.

 

[mati]

Re: mariner 20 Is mine one of the Japanese units?

The serial number was from the transom plate. I just started to think about something. The one reply was unit assembled in Canada using USA components.I remember back in the 70 & 80's. Mercury had a warehouse/plant in Mississauga Ont (just beside Toronto)I believe its closed now. Is it possible motors were built at this location. What about contacting Mercury direct to get info on my serial number. Anybody know who I should e-mail ?

 

[BaysideMarine]

Re: mariner 20 Is mine one of the Japanese units?

If I'm not mistaken the original 10 year agreement that Mercury had with Yamaha under the name Mariner ended in 1980. From that date forth, Mariner's were Mercury's and what had previously been Mariner's became Yamaha's. Looking at the engine would clearly give away the age. Old Mariner's (the rebadged Yamahas) are darkish grey with chrome bits on the cowl. If you say it can't be less than 10 years old then it can only be a Merc. But i could be wrong.......<br /><br />Nicholas