1969 Merc 350

[jbing81]

Hey guys I need some advice on purchasing a'69 Merc 350. I've searched all over the net the past week and haven't found a whole lot on these older motors. I went this afternoon to see the motor run. The owner had it in a tank when I arrived, the motor started well, shifted as it should, went through its rpm's without hesitation, and pumped water very well. The owner stated that he has replaced one coil, both condensors, two points, the water pump, the gear oil, and a carb rebuild. everything looks to be tip top, however without a lot of reference material online I'm kind of hesitant to lay down $500 on this motor. If there's anyone out there who can lend some insight is greatly appreciate it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1969 Merc 350

That's a lot of $$$$ for a 40 year old motor.Parts availability???
Do a compression test.J

 

[sutor623]

Re: 1969 Merc 350

Agreed, do a comp test. Honestly, I have seen tons of waaaayyy newer motors for sale in the 35-40hp range in that price range. I have a merc 650 from 1967, and trust me, parts and lower units are becoming more and more scarce, and more expensive by the day. If the guy did take as good of care of the motor as he says, it is worth considerably more than the typical motor, but check this out. I bought a 16' starcraft fish master, all aluminum, with a '67 merc 650 with bad lower unit (and a good lower unit that hadnt been installed) on a galvanized trailer all for $650. So if you ask me, $500 is entirely too much money to spend on that motor.

 

[jbing81]

Re: 1969 Merc 350

I appreciate the heads up on the asking price guys, I will see if the seller is willing to negotiate. Is there anything else anyone would like to add as far as know mechanical issues with this model motor?

 

[jbing81]

Re: 1969 Merc 350

Agreed, do a comp test. Honestly, I have seen tons of waaaayyy newer motors for sale in the 35-40hp range in that price range. I have a merc 650 from 1967, and trust me, parts and lower units are becoming more and more scarce, and more expensive Iby the day. If the guy did take as good of care of the motor as he says, it is worth considerably more than the typical motor, but check this out. I bought a 16' starcraft fish master, all aluminum, with a '67 merc 650 with bad lower unit (and a good lower unit that hadnt been installed) on a galvanized trailer all for $650. So if you ask me, $500 is entirely too much money to spend on that motor.

Ive found a lot of less expensive motors as well, however they all needed a bit of work, and the ones that didn't were either sold or too far away to make it worth while.

 

[sutor623]

Re: 1969 Merc 350

I appreciate the heads up on the asking price guys, I will see if the seller is willing to negotiate. Is there anything else anyone would like to add as far as know mechanical issues with this model motor?

Think lower units buddy. When you see something this old, it either has a ton of wear on the gears, or the L/U was replaced, sometimes with an incompatible unit (wrong gear ratio) I have seen it time and time again. Hell, my 650(65hp)has the L/U off of a 1500(150) that has the incorrect gear ratio that had to be corrected with a prop change. When the motor is running, SHIFT YOUR GEARS!! So many others have neglected to do this when testing out a motor, then wonder why they are spending $100's of dollars and hours of our time and theirs to figure out a new L/U setup.

Me, I like to do things differently. I like to buy other people's headaches. At least you know they are being honest when they give you the sh.. list on the motor. I do a ton of research to see how much it will cost, and how available parts are for a motor before I make my move. Shoot, I just bought a 1977 Mercury 4.5hp that wasn't flowing water, with awesome compression. The lower unit was stuck and someone broke off part of the anti-cavitation plate trying to get it off. He sold me the motor for $50. Some PB blaster, two trees, one come along and a $10.98 impeller later, and we have ourselves a sweet little runner. Point is, if you want something that is running and that is maintained you normally will pay big $ for it. You can blame guys like me for old parts being so scarce because I often turn a parts motor operable again.