1975 Mercury 85hp Wiring

[Hillister]

I have been given a 1975 85hp Mercury that looks like new. I pulled the cover off and some of the wiring looks like it has rotted. The insulation from the two wires coming from the stator and a ground wire from the starter to the powerhead has crumbled. The wiring on the side electrical plug isn't so great looking either. My uncle says that it ran just fine when he last used it 7 years ago. Is the motor worth repairing and any ideas about the rotting insulation and wiring.

 

[Trent]

Re: 1975 Mercury 85hp Wiring

Very common with Merc. You can get a replacement wiring harness for around 130.00 Need to know your serial number to get the correct one.

 

[rons boat]

Re: 1975 Mercury 85hp Wiring

Have done all the above to my 85 hp Mercury before getting rid of it because I had to have tilt and trim. Good motor, but ditto on the wiring. Check compression before spending lots of money, if ok proceed with wiring update. They run great and remember that's about an 78 hp motor by todays rating at the prop. Wiring harness plug and receptical needs to be cleaned with carbon tetracloride or other electronic cleaner as they do give problems as well.

 

[Fordcruser]

Re: 1975 Mercury 85hp Wiring

Study the wiring lay-out and buy some good wire and terminals. I replaced all the wires on my merc. for less than $10.00. If it has points there will be some minor soldering involved. The finished job looks and works great.

 

[j_rod]

Re: 1975 Mercury 85hp Wiring

Fordcruser:
where did you find the wiring layout for ur merc?

 

[mike1245]

Re: 1975 Mercury 85hp Wiring

i did the same thing search vintage mercury boat wire digram( use google )
look for maxrules.com

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: 1975 Mercury 85hp Wiring

How about here

http://www.maxrules.com/MERCwireindex.html

 

[j_rod]

Re: 1975 Mercury 85hp Wiring

thanks for the help that was some great advice