Old merc hydroplane motor - what year and HP?

[tsutter]

Hello all:<br /><br />I am wondering what year and HP this old merc hydroplane motor is. The number is 788824. The model is Merc 20H or Merc 20HA (can't remember exactly).<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Old merc hydroplane motor - what year and HP?

Check this out:<br /><br /> web page

 

[tsutter]

Re: Old merc hydroplane motor - what year and HP?

Hey all:<br /><br />First, thanks to Rick for pointing me to the oldmercs.com website for info.<br /><br />Secondly, now that I know it is probably a 1955 model year, Mercury Mark 20H racing engine, I have an additional question. When I got this thing, one side of the top of the engine was covered (containing the Mercury inscription etched in the metal), but the other side is open, revealing the carburetor all the way back to the cylinders and plugs. Is this normal? Or am I somehow missing the cover for this side? If I am missing the cover, is this something I can get as a part from the oldmercs.com website, or anywhere else?<br /><br />So many questions, so few synapses firing...<br /><br />Thanks all

 

[Les Faulk]

Re: Old merc hydroplane motor - what year and HP?

Hey tsutter,<br />Your post brings back memories. My Dad used to race <br />small hydroplanes here in the NW back in the early<br />60's. His favorite motor was a 20 horse Merc. Would push a 9-10 foot boat at a little over 60mph.<br />He had the side cowling removed in order to run a tuned exhaust stack. Not quite sure how it was all hooked up, but that motor was a screamer.<br /><br />CrabLouie

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Old merc hydroplane motor - what year and HP?

Hi Tsutter,<br /> The Mark 20H is a great old motor. Very sought after in the vintage motor world. It should be fully cowled (like mine).<br />

The starboard side cowling (left in the picture) often got removed to access the sometimes troublesome Carter carburetor. The side cowling from a Mark 15, Mark 20, Mark 20H or Mark 25 should fit...<br /> Take good care of it and learn all you can before trying to run it.<br /> Grubb's can get a lot of the stuff you'd need to get it going again, including a service manual...<br />- Scott

 

[tsutter]

Re: Old merc hydroplane motor - what year and HP?

Thanks all for the replies. They were extremely helpful. I will try to find a starboard side cowling (only thing missing on the motor).

 

[tsutter]

Re: Old merc hydroplane motor - what year and HP?

Oops, I forgot.<br /><br />Anyone out there know where I can find a starboard side cowling for a Mercury Mark 20H racing motor? I checked Grubb's page and did not see one. Any ideas would be very helpful.<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Old merc hydroplane motor - what year and HP?

Hi Tsutter,<br /> I'd start with an ad on the AOMCI.org site's Webvertiser page. Keep it general and include the other models I listed as possible donors...<br />- Scott