merc 500

[rolmops]

Someone offered to give me a good working '68 or '69 merc 500 4 cylinder for free.<br />I know very little about mercuries.Are these machines the proverbial fuel sucking boat anchors(like the fat fifties) or are they good engines?<br />Are they really fifty horse or is it like other mercs supposedly fifty but really 60+ horse?<br />Thanks Rolmops.

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: merc 500

Posted by rolmops:"Someone offered to give me a good working merc 500 4 cylinder for free."<br /> <br /><br /><br />Take it

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: merc 500

Hi Rolmops,<br /> The 44-cubic inch Merc 50s were the gold standard for how to design a motor. They had a production run of over 40 years with the same basic configuration. As such, parts are plentiful. They're smooth running, easy on the eyes (IMHO), and put out a solid 50hp (sorry, not quite 60hp). They'll drink a bit of fuel, but no more than similar vintage Johnrude 40s. , and nowhere near as much as a late 1950s Johnrude V4-50.<br /> If you decide you don't want it, I'd be glad to take it off your hands - I've got a soft spot for the late 1960s red-stripers as you can tell from my profile photo...<br />- Scott

 

[ehenry]

Re: merc 500

I'd be all over that engine in a heart beat if it was for free. I ran a Merc 500 Thunderbolt for 18 years and never, NEVER had a problem with it. It was 13 years old when I got it. Its an excellent engine you can't go wrong.

 

[timbo1963]

Re: merc 500

Can I have it???

 

[rolmops]

Re: merc 500

Thank you all for your good advice.<br />The engine is in my garage now,on the condition that I will keep it in good working order and if I ever get tired of it, to pass it on the way it was given to me,to someone who will take care of it the way it deserves to be taken care of.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: merc 500

Change the impeller unless you KNOW it's just been done - pretty wimpy on those.

 

[Merc805]

Re: merc 500

Think it's the 47-89983T<br />all 2 cyl. 35 & 40 HP thru 1989<br />all 3 cyl. 50 - 65 HP thru 1990<br />all 3 cyl. 70 HP thru 1983<br />all 4 cyl 35 - 50 HP<br /><br />Used to be 47-20268 & 47-65959<br /><br />They aren't really thay "Whimpy" you know.<br />As the vanes taper away the resistance is reduced.<br />I would still change it anyway.

 

[achris]

Re: merc 500

Water pump number is correct.<br /><br />Can I put my hand up as the 'next owner' please?<br /><br />Chris...........

 

[Nandy]

Re: merc 500

Rolmops, congratulations, that is a good motor. Let me know when you get tired of it. I have the same motor and I killed my swtichbox yesterday. Look at the serian number, with it you can tell the year of make and the appropiate parts for it. Here is a list of stuff.<br /><br />Mercury 500 / 50 H.P. 4 Cylinders<br />Motor s/n 2479050 Year 1968<br />Motor built from 1965 -79 <br /><br />Water Impeller $14.95 47-89983T<br />Water Impeller Repair Kit $31.12 47-89983T1 <br />Inner Exaust Plate $66.05 Old 46109 - New 904211<br />Outer Exaust Plate Gasket $5.30 Old 27 46110 - New 27 854913<br />Inner Exaust Plate Gasket $5.90 Old 27 46111 - New 27 854924<br />Cylinder Block Gasket $4.40 Old 27 37816 - New 27 85487<br />Standard Size Piston Rings $45.70 39-27841A12<br />Piston Assembly $161.85 780-9229A 7<br />REED KIT $44.00 34-88498A 1<br />Needle Bearing Piston Pin $0.20 29-20063<br />Needle Bearing Crank Pin $0.20 29-20046T<br />O-Ring $1.15 25-20081<br />Seal $9.30 26-41953<br />Seal Big $18.65 26-29478<br />Rectifier $39.00 816770T<br />Carb part #1333-3709 ka21dt-top carb<br />gas pump 3026892 or 5667786 $30.0<br />water pump base 46 775168 1<br /><br />If your motor is 68 or 69 the parts should be about ok. You can also look at these websites for parts and info.<br /><br /> http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selectDocs.asp?doc_nbr=+48425 <br /> http://www.oldmercs.com/196769Merc500.htm <br /><br />If you care to get parts from Mercury dealers;<br /> http://www.mercurypartsexpress.com/PartsExpress/ProductSelection/ServiceParts/sphome.asp?CID= <br /><br />Later...