Help identifying this little motor.

[Wingedwheel]

I picked this little jewel up today off Craigslist. The PO said the recoil broke about 5 yrs ago and he tried to fix it and couldn't, so he gave up and it sat for 5 yrs. I brought it home, took the recoil apart and saw what was happening and had it fixed in about 20 min. Just for kicks I sprayed some pre-mix in the carb and she fired on the second pull! I know I need to replace the impeller so thats next, but the problem is I can't find any #'s anywhere. I found some on the crank-case, but I don't know if they're just casting #'s or what. That # was 490391 but like I said I'm not sure. I'll do some research, but I hoped someone could perhaps figure it out by sight. The PO told me he thought it was a 2 1/2, but did Merc make a 2 1/2 in this configuration? Its got FWD and REV gears and a sweet little twist tiller arm. Here's a few pics. Oh yea, I got it and the gas tank for $90

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

Ok I think I've narrowed it down, but still not sure of the year. Its either a Merc 39 or a Merc 40. I guess my next question, if anyone knows, did the early models have FWD and REV? The late 60's Merc 40 states that it had both, but I haven't found out yet if the Merc 39 did. if its a 40, I may have stumbled onto something special. One thing I found is that everything has Kiekhaefer stamped all over it. When did Mercury stop doing this?

 

[Gomer50]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

Carl Kiekhaefer started the Kiekhaefer Corporation in 1940 and started making Mercury engines. Merged with Brunswick Corp in 1961, changed the name from Kiekhaefer Marine to Mercury in 1969.But I am not sure when the Kiekhaefer name quit appearing on the Mercury engines

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

I'm pretty sure this is a 60's motor, but I can't pin it down as the ID plate is missing. If someone can tell me if the 3.9hp had reverse gear that would help. If they don't and this is a 4hp the info I've found stated they made these for racing. The PO said it would push his boat better than the newer 5hp 4 stroke he has now.

 

[Gomer50]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

I found this one on ebay take a peek at it,kinda looks like yours.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item19c4efba44

 

[merc850]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

It looks like it was originally white in color which would put it in the '60s, for a better expert answer try someone here http://johnsoldmercurysite.com/phpBB3/index.php

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

You're right merc850. I took some steel wool and buffed the camo off and underneath it was all cloud white. That would put it in the 60-61 merc 60 6hp range. I had a 59 mark 35A and the solid cowl kinda reminds me of that. It is a one-piece molded aluminum cowl and that really makes me think its an oldie. This is getting fun!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

Well, it's definitely a Merc 60, 6hp, as the Merc 40, 3.9hp was a single cylinder. White would make it a 1961 to 1963 model year. Serial number was on a plate on the motor mount bracket. If there are a couple of tiny holes and no tag, then it's gone. The serial number should also be STAMPED on the block. Seven digits, first digit will be a 1. Any cast-in numbers are casting numbers, not serials...

1408611 thru 1441976 are 1961
1485612 thru 1614729 are 1962-63

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

Thanks Chinewalker. I did manage to narrow it down a little more today. I actually found a pic of how the cowling would have been painted. It gives me a good guideline to restore it to as close to original as possible. I also got the original gas tank and that needs a paint job and new stickers as well. I orderedthe seals and impeller and I have another problem which I'll address in a different thread.

 

[merc850]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

Here's a man that can help redecal that motor http://www.iserv.net/~shapton/Emblems.html

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Help identifying this little motor.

Thanks merc850, I'll check it out