Mercury 50hp Thunderbolt Year

[Lorddemon]

I have a Mercury 50 hp Thunderbolt 4 cyl with a serial number of 5864984, In need of rebuild. What year is this ?from what I've found says its a 80-81 ,is this correct? Where can I get pistons and rings? Some pistons I've seen in those years are a 2 ring piston mine are 3 , Is there a difference? Thanks for any help.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Mercury 50hp Thunderbolt Year

Welcome to iboats!! Engine is a 1981. I can't help you with the rest, sorry. Others will be along to answer those questions.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Mercury 50hp Thunderbolt Year

Your engine is most likely a 81 Merc over produced in 1980 or undersold so instead of eating year old motors they did not give a opening serial number in 81 but by your # I would think it's a 81 built engine. The 2 ring pistons did not come in production engines intill about 89 and or list today as replacement pistions