Recent content by Jake N

  1. J

    Growling Merc 20 hp

    I have a '76 model, 20 hp Merc that I bought used last year. The motor runs real loud with a growling, rock chewing sound. I thought that this was the way the old motor was supposed to sound until recently I noticed it would get super-quiet for short periods of time. The motor makes the noise...
  2. J

    Older Merc 20hp weight

    How much does a mid 70s Mercury 20hp motor weigh? Tiller steer, pull start, short shaft. Thanks in advance.
  3. J

    Horsepower question

    Sorry that this is in the wrong forum but I couldn't find where it fits: How does my 1974 20hp Mercury outboard compare horsepower wise to new motors? I realize that they used to rate motors at the crank and now they rate them at the prop, but how much power is lost through the gears? Would my...
  4. J

    20hp no reverse

    Ok, my same 20 hp Mercury that I just bought that is running rough just lost reverse gear. I was running it in a tub when I revved the motor up, it fell in gear and I shut it off. Immediately thereafter, I determined that it would not go in reverse. I know the reverse gear worked before, I...
  5. J

    Weak recoil starter on '76 Mercury 20hp

    What's the cure for a weak recoil starter? It has a nut and slotted bolt in the center. Thanks in advance.
  6. J

    Rough running 20 hp Mercury

    I just bought a 1974 Mercury 20hp motor. The motor is very difficult to crank when it is cold. It runs good at 1/2 throttle or more but when you go less than about 1/2 throttle it backfires. The slower you go, the more it backfires. It will not idle. I already ordered a manual but it has not...
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