Need Advise-1974 Merc

[Plank]

Own a 1974 85 Hp. Merc. Top half is in good shape, compression is right, starts strong, runs strong. My problem is' with the lower unit, forward is fine. Reverse is hard to engage and keep engaged. Bottom seals need replacing. My first question, does anyone know how much this would cost to have a shop do this work? My second question is, does there come a time when putting money into an older engine become a bad idea? Thanks for the help.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Need Advise-1974 Merc

Hi planks<br />>Not much involved to change seals.<br />>Is it possible that your linkage adjustment isn't centered properly at the motor?<br /><br />>If the engine runs well, and not all corroded out, I'd repair it. The thing is.. the engine isn't worth much on the market, but to you, it has value. Especially if you compare to the price of replacement.<br /><br />my .01 cent way of thinking

 

[johnkc]

Re: Need Advise-1974 Merc

planks,there is a pin that pushes the clutch that has a pointed tip on it that rides on the shift cam this point has worn off .now, you may have subsequent clutch and rev gear wear due to slow / soft shifts because this pin has worn . probably need ;shift cam ,pin, clutch, rev gear and of course seal kit and water pump.cost?4-5hrs labor ,350-400 on parts {just a guess, havn'tdone this type of job for a while }the root cause of this problem is probably improper shift adjustments ,and/ or bad cables /worn control box ,so have this looked at also .cables are around 28.00 each and i think control box can be fixed up for around 125.00 p&l.

 

[Rex]

Re: Need Advise-1974 Merc

I got a 1973 merc. 65 H.P.<br />Got a burn piston but everyting else is good.<br />I'm not sure if they well fit.<br />If so call me at <br />PHONE 765-643-6463<br />E-MAIL REXA1925@IWON.COM

 

[johnkc]

Re: Need Advise-1974 Merc

sorry ,won't interchange

 

[Rex]

Re: Need Advise-1974 Merc

I went and check them the 197365HP.and it is small if you would find a older 65 let say 1967 or 1965 them they do change. I got a 1967 65HP.<br />it well go on a 1974 80 HP. check with someone that has a book on this first.<br />The bole pattern is the same for the 1967 65 HP. as the 1974 80 HP. and has the same lenght.<br />GOOD LUCK<br />REX A. HUBBLE<br /><br />P.S. THE 1967 65HP. COULD NOT ASK FOR A BETTER ENGINE.<br />THEN ONLY THING I'M GO TO DO THIS YEAR IS CHANGE MY OIL RATIO 50 TO 1

 

[johnkc]

Re: Need Advise-1974 Merc

HEY YALL, sounds good ,but lets check gear ratio next