78 Mercury 115 Controls on a 76 Mercury 115?

[cturboaddict]

Can I swap out controls?
I have a 76 Merc 115 TOP. I have the controls for it, and the wiring is a bit shot. I have a pal with controls for a 78 Merc TOP that has real nice wiring on it. The controls are slightly different, but in great working order.... Can I just swap them in there???? Wires/Controls/ All of it???

 

[sutor623]

Re: 78 Mercury 115 Controls on a 76 Mercury 115?

Do they both have a button choke, or the push key choke? If they both have the same choke setup then they will work. I have a Seloc in front of me and can tell you if you give me more details. You can move around the anchor barrel on the linkage cable, and you can also adjust the tension of the cable at the motor, so if it is an inch or so off (on length) then it should not matter. There were only two different models of control boxes that mercury used from 1965-1989, the early mercontrol, and the commander. There are few versions of each, but mainly just visible differences. My vote is yes, I would say that it will work with no problem, AS LONG AS THE CHOKE SYSTEMS ARE THE SAME. Maybe just a few minor linkage adjustments and you will be all set. Good Luck........

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: 78 Mercury 115 Controls on a 76 Mercury 115?

Back then, Mercury would go years and years with scarcely a change to their 6 cylinder motors.

When Yamaha came into the US retail boat market in 1984, Mercury and OMC finally got off their duffs and improved the efficiencies on their engines.

I think you're good switching controls.

 

[cturboaddict]

Re: 78 Mercury 115 Controls on a 76 Mercury 115?

Do they both have a button choke, or the push key choke? If they both have the same choke setup then they will work. I have a Seloc in front of me and can tell you if you give me more details. You can move around the anchor barrel on the linkage cable, and you can also adjust the tension of the cable at the motor, so if it is an inch or so off (on length) then it should not matter. There were only two different models of control boxes that mercury used from 1965-1989, the early mercontrol, and the commander. There are few versions of each, but mainly just visible differences. My vote is yes, I would say that it will work with no problem, AS LONG AS THE CHOKE SYSTEMS ARE THE SAME. Maybe just a few minor linkage adjustments and you will be all set. Good Luck........

The one I currently have is the- MerControl (with a push button electric choke on top) Has a huge two button trim switch on the end of the lever.

The one I am purchasing (mainly because I need the wiring) does not say MerControl on it, and looks slightly different. It has a throttle and warm up lever, but looks as if it will be a push key choke... The trim switch on the handle is a "rocker" style. But I am using the wires on that control all the way back to my motor....

I appreciate your help
Current controls-1976 Mercury 115 Inline 6
Trying upgrade- 1978 Mercury Inline 6

 

[sutor623]

Re: 78 Mercury 115 Controls on a 76 Mercury 115?

Hmmm, so you have an early Mercontrol module, and the new module does NOT have the choke button? Well it sounds like the new unit is the more advanced Commander box. I am not sure as to the compatibility of those two. You should be okay, however, I can take a look in my Seloc when I get home if nobody can give you a definate answer by that time.

 

[cturboaddict]

Re: 78 Mercury 115 Controls on a 76 Mercury 115?

Hmmm, so you have an early Mercontrol module, and the new module does NOT have the choke button? Well it sounds like the new unit is the more advanced Commander box. I am not sure as to the compatibility of those two. You should be okay, however, I can take a look in my Seloc when I get home if nobody can give you a definate answer by that time.

Thanks. Let me know what you find out, im sure I might have to do some rewiring.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 78 Mercury 115 Controls on a 76 Mercury 115?

The '78 and '76 motors are wired the same. They should both be Battery/CDI Ignition with a distributor. Chokes are the same as is everything else. There should be no issue swapping controls, provided they do work with the newer motor.

 

[cturboaddict]

Re: 78 Mercury 115 Controls on a 76 Mercury 115?

The '78 and '76 motors are wired the same. They should both be Battery/CDI Ignition with a distributor. Chokes are the same as is everything else. There should be no issue swapping controls, provided they do work with the newer motor.

Thanks man!