So, I think I got a '72 Merc 9.8?

Mr. Asa

Mr. Asa

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Got my first boat a while back, since then I have been looking for a motor
Was at a friend's place this weekend, he horse trades compulsively and has about half a dozen motors sitting around the place. When I asked him if any were worth a damn he said "I have never heard that one run, but I know it isn't frozen. If you want it, it's yours"

So, poking around at it, and looking at a couple links on here, I think I have a '72? I'm trying to find out more info, and find out what I need to know.
I have noticed a few things missing from the motor (the panel with the controls in the second picture, most noticeably, and behind the panel the carb appears to be missing the air cleaner)

I am still looking around trying to find the info myself, but I know I need a couple things to help me progress:
1) An exploded diagram of the motor.
2) Is this for a short or long transom? I have a 15" transom, so if it's a long transom will it work?
3) A decent technical manual (the one I found here Boatinfo - Mercury Service Manual for 6-8-9,9-10-15 hp shows it is a manual for a 9.9HP, is it similar enough to a 9.8 to work?)
4) A decent stand to mount the motor on so I can troubleshoot and work on the motor. I am thinking that I will build this myself, so I'd like some pictures or designs that others might have used.
4a) Secondarily, I know that I will need water to cool the motor while it's running, think a 5-gallon bucket will be enough if I make sure it doesn't kick too much water out?

If there is anything else I need to know, or should look into, please let me know!


If you click on the pictures it should take you to a much larger version




 
Mr. Asa

Mr. Asa

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Re: So, I think I got a '72 Merc 9.8?

tallcanadian said:
It is a 1972 short shaft. MERCURY OUTBOARD MODEL YEAR GUIDE 7.5 - 9.9 HP -- Mastertech Marine. This link will help a bit. I built my own motor stand and yes a bucket will suffice. As long as the lower unit is in the water. Great looking motor you have. Good luck with it.
Click to expand...

I was looking around Google and it seems like most people build stands for storage, and not for testing, I like that yours has room for a gas can and battery.
And that reminds me that I'll have to buy a frigging battery. Dadgummit.

That link was where I found that it was a '72. I went poking around and didn't really see technical info, am I missing anything?
 
jimmbo

jimmbo

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Re: So, I think I got a '72 Merc 9.8?

Looking at the cowl that engine is pre 1972. 1972 was the first year mercs were blue
 
tpenfield

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Re: So, I think I got a '72 Merc 9.8?

jimmbo said:
Looking at the cowl that engine is pre 1972. 1972 was the first year mercs were blue
Click to expand...

Per the serial number chart, it is a 1972 :noidea:

To the OP. The engine mount clamps look like they are trashed and inoperable. You will want to make sure you have it well mounted to the transom. There should also be a fitting that you can attach a safety chain and/or security lock.

FWIW - I picked up a 1969 7.5 HP Merc a week or so ago. Those engines were really solid.

Do you have a fuel tank and fuel line? Those seem to be pricey . . . Merc has several size twist-lock fittings for the engine, so if you need to get one, make sure it is the right size, etc. I just had to buy one at a walloping $45 just for the twist lock. :eek:
 
Mr. Asa

Mr. Asa

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Re: So, I think I got a '72 Merc 9.8?

tpenfield said:
To the OP. The engine mount clamps look like they are trashed and inoperable. You will want to make sure you have it well mounted to the transom. There should also be a fitting that you can attach a safety chain and/or security lock.
Click to expand...

Yup, They are. One of them is actually a carriage bolt (which might be correct, but I doubt it) I'm going to poke around and see what I can find for them.
Do you have a picture of one on another outboard? If I know what to look for I can check it out and see what's what.
 
tpenfield

tpenfield

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Re: So, I think I got a '72 Merc 9.8?

Mr. Asa said:
Yup, They are. One of them is actually a carriage bolt (which might be correct, but I doubt it) I'm going to poke around and see what I can find for them.
Do you have a picture of one on another outboard? If I know what to look for I can check it out and see what's what.
Click to expand...

Here is a picture of the clamp(s) from my 1969 Mercury 7.5 . . . kind of like a "T" bolt with a swivel pad on the end. Very fine thread . . . Click on the image for a larger view.

MercClamps.JPG
 
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Mr. Asa

Mr. Asa

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Re: So, I think I got a '72 Merc 9.8?

I picked up some stainless bolts with the correct thread, I'll use them until I can pick up some of the correct ones for cheap.

I need to find some good pictures of the same motor so I can go through and verify what is missing and what is not.
 
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