can't find the serial # on my 50 hp mercury

[rokey199]

I understand that the serial # is 7 digits. on the front of the motor behind the cover is a five digit Number, and on the clamps that go on the transom there is an eight digit number [ four on top of four others]. could either one of these be it? Also the bottom front of the engine housing has been broken off. my luck this is the piece I need. the cover says Mercury 500, thunderbolt ignition and has the polished aluminum front. I'm guessing early 70's but I need a manual and they range from 72-89 or earlier, so not sure which one to buy. Thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: can't find the serial # on my 50 hp mercury

If it's as old as I'm thinking it is, it should be on a metal tag riveted to the front of the swivel bracket by the tilt tube. You might also find a welch plug on the starboard side of the block with the #s. Shiny metal front cowling covers mean old motors. Plastic or completely painted metal ones will be on newer models. But they get lost, and are sometimes replaced with whatever can be found used.

 

[rokey199]

Re: can't find the serial # on my 50 hp mercury

still haven't found it. any other ideas?

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: can't find the serial # on my 50 hp mercury

What are the numbers that you can see ?<br />If it is a 500 it's older than 1979 after that became 50.<br />This is what an 81 looks like <br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/watermark.php?file=527/1413merc50b-med.jpg <br />BTW It is the 8 digit one on the transom clamp starting with either 3,4,5 or 6 Or in Canada 7 Europe 9 and Australia 8

 

[imported_miked]

Re: can't find the serial # on my 50 hp mercury

I have a Merc 500, 50hp, sn 3241205. 1972 model (I believe). another guy had a problem finding his sn, so I emailed pics of the location to him. I can do the same for you, just ask. dmike25@msn.com

 

[Greg New Zealand]

Re: can't find the serial # on my 50 hp mercury

Very nice rig Unicorn Do you actually put that motor into the water or is it something that you just polish twice a day? A fine example of what a 20+ year old O/B can look like.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: can't find the serial # on my 50 hp mercury

Thanx GNZ<br />It's really just your average 80's 50 thats been kept in a garage by prev owner and reqularly serviced.<br />They tell me that it's what's inside that counts.<br /> <br />So I have been concentrating there instead lately.<br />You know.. clean carbs, clean L/U oil etc etc<br />Yes.. it does get wet when weather permits.<br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/watermark.php?file=527/1413caloundra-3-med.jpg