Mercury Help...PLEASE

[pullit]

I found this site and like what I have seen so far. I am hoping for a little help with my first boat purchase.
I bought a 14 ft Alumcraft with a 20 hp Mercury to duck hunt out of as well as do a little running around in.
The owner before me painted everything camo so I need some help finding out what I have as far as the motor goes (I don't even know where to start looking for the Ser. Plate). The owner said it was a 1975 or 1976 motor and that it has sat in his barn for about the last 15-20 years.
Here are some pictures with the cowning removed. There is a date on the coil (I think it is a date) of 1-26-76 so I am guessing it is a 76 motor. It does have electric start.
I am planning on replacing the inpellar and lower unit seals. The lower unit is a little oily so I figure the seals are shot.
Any input would help...
Thank you so much

 

[Dave1027]

Re: Mercury Help...PLEASE

It's your money and time but if I were you I would not assume the LU seals are shot. Some of these motors make you think they are leaking oil but it may only be 2 stroke oil in the exhaust system that slowly leaks as was the case with my 9.9 horse of the same era. All you have to do is drain the LU oil and check the color. If it's black then you are OK. If you have milkshake or water drops have the seals and possibly bearings replaced.

 

[redjmp]

Re: Mercury Help...PLEASE

The serial number is located on the front of the transom bracket right below the fuel line. The oil you see on the lower unit might be unburnt oil that collected on the inside of the exhaust passage and has slowly worked its way down to the prop. Does the oil smell like gear lube? Have you tried starting it yet? If it has sat for so long and the carb wasnt run dry prior to storing, then it will probably be all varnished up and will need to be removed and soaked in some thing like seafoam. Pull the plugs and give it a shot of fogging oil or wd40 before tring to turn it.

 

[pullit]

Re: Mercury Help...PLEASE

I will check the oil level and color as soon as I can.
I will also look for the Ser plate as well. I need to get a parts/shop manual on this motor so I wanted to make sure what I had.

Like I said, this is the first motor I have owned so I have a lot to learn.

Thanks

 

[merc850]

Re: Mercury Help...PLEASE

Be careful cleaning the ser.nr. plate do not use paint thinner use soap and water.
I've seen a lot of "damaged" motors but the previous owner is climbing to the top of the list. Get some Phantom black paint from your Mercury dealer and decals from http://www.nymarine.ca/mercdeclist.html.