1977 merc 50

[The-Machinist]

I have a chance to aquire a 1977 merc 50 horse. So far all i know is that all 4 cyl have 135 psi compression. Were there any general issues with this model? Are there any certian items in particular to check(other than the usual) before purchase? Are there any of these old girls still alive out there?
Thanks for any advice, Shawn

 

[old-gubbins]

Re: 1977 merc 50

Hi TheMaster

I am not an experienced contributor here, so might well be corrected, but I believe the 50 hp 4cyl (actually circa 45 hp at prop., 50 at crankshaft), is regarded as one of the best medium size Mercs made. I had one of the same age, which has now been passed to my son, and it is still going well. 30 years use in saltwater UK. It had to have one of the internal cooling cover plates renewed about 10 years ago, but came apart OK.

There might well be a large difference in running hours UK/USA, as UK is often only 30 - 40 hours /year, but I do not think that is an issue. If you search the board, you will find lots of posts on the 4 cyl 50s, and the 6 cyl towers of the same vintage, all great motors.

I think there are still plenty around, and wrenches of the right age like working on them.

Good luck with it.

 

[fishmonger.33]

Re: 1977 merc 50

i am the proud owner of one of the beauties, and i am very pleased with it, i pulled it out of my friends barn a few years ago, and he gave it to me for free, i fired it up, and all it needed was a new impeller. best motor i have ever owned, i would take that offer, and get your self a hell of a motor

fishmonger33