Info On 1978 50HP Mercury Please

[turtle1173]

Hi,<br /><br /> I'm looking at a 1978 50HP Mercury (4 cylinder). This is a low hour motor and looks like new!! I am wondering about the reliability of the motor. I also would like to know how the ignition system works on this motor (I'm not very familiar with Mercurys). Any known problems/complications with this year?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Shane Williams

 

[Ken G]

Re: Info On 1978 50HP Mercury Please

I can't help with the ignition system but my 1977 Merc 500 is VERY reliable. I use it year round on the Ohio River and have never had any problems. I've owned it 4 or 5 years and have changed the spark plugs twice, the impeller once, the lower unit oil a couple of times and I've never touched anything else.<br /><br />I've been thinking of checking the compression, decarbing, and rebuilding the carburetors but I don't want to screw anything up. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.<br /><br />I forgot to mention, the motor usually runs at 2 speeds, idle and WOT.