Very early Mercs had wrap-around cowls that were just shiny metal. The early 1960s saw those wraps painted black with plain metal trim. From the mid 1960s to the early 1970s the metal trim was red instead. From the mid 1970s to the mid 1980s that changed to blue trim. There were also some brown trimmed wraps in the mid 1980s. That's the easiest visual way to narrow-down the age of a motor, but you can mix and match wraps. There's no substitute for the serial number when finding a motor's age.
Thanks from down under. Can any one clue me on how much a 1975 50hp merc is worth? this motor runs great and has had a lot of work to get it in this condition but I cant find out what was done.<br />I cant find any information on used outboard motors. It seems repair boat shops sell most of the motors. but do not advertise the price Don
Are you also for Australia ? If you do a compression test and the cyls are within 10% and somewhere over 110psi (all 4),and no water intrusion into the L/U, you might get $1500-2500 AUD here. Check on ebay.
Melbourne.<br /><br />USA is a far better location for outboards as far as price, availabilty and parts go. They are dirt cheap over there compared to here and Europe. The boaters in the US tend to be more serious about buying parts and rebuilding old Mercs whereas we tend more to wear them out and replace them.
Red/grey was 1986 onwards (top). What is your S/N ?<br /><br />Or .. if it's an oldie, it is a 1969 like Jasonj's motor (bottom pic) As you can see Jason is our local iboats perfectionist <br /> <br /><br />
It's an 86 onwards model, thanks. I can't find my serial number though- the clamp's been replaced at some point.Where would I find it on the block? All I can find is 76452 (I think it was that!) cast into the port side water cover.
I also have a similar question, I have a 75hp mercury outboard sitting in the barn on a stand serial-oa986440, model-1075716, But cant seem to find what year it is? I think its somewhere round 86 -89 Could someone drop me a web address to look it up or let me know what year it is. Thanks
Whitox.<br />No trouble with my 1980 4 cyl Merc.. They are a good motor. Thing to look out for are.<br />1. If it's pre 1978 and the lower umit has not been off for years, it should be removed and new impeller fiitted then replaced with grease added to driveshaft splines (the oldies were not stainless steel and can get stuck).<br />2. Check for corrosion in the trigger/stator wires under the insulation and replair any you find.<br />3. Use fresh fuel and stabiliser (Petrol power) here in Aus. If those carbs gum up the motor can run lean and may melt down.<br />Geofthro<br />Reckon it's a 1986 75 A197882 - C221499 1986 4 cyl You remove the "O" and look here <br />www.marinshopen.se
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