merControl upgrade

[mellowyellow]

my origional 70's mercontrol is startin to get a <br />little sloppy and I think it's time for a new one.<br />anyone know if there is a new merc or aftermarket<br />that is a direct replacement? mine has the 3 prong<br />tach plug on front... cost?<br />curious,<br />M.Y.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: merControl upgrade

I don't know what's wrong with yours, but I recently had to do a little work on mine because it was too warn out to shift in reverse. I replaced the cam inside the control box, and it works great now. It was pretty easy to do and only cost $26 rather than ~$200 it cost for a new control box.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: merControl upgrade

^bump^<br />I understand I can rebuild this old one, but<br />was hoping someone had the info for a new one.<br />anybody?

 

[dilligafda]

Re: merControl upgrade

Yes there is a new Merc control that is a direct replacement, with the use of a wiring harness adapter - the total bill is about $500(US). Your best bet is to follow the earlier advise and fix the old one. I have that same MerControl and it's pretty easy to work on.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: merControl upgrade

$500 is a little steep, but Control is pretty<br />important thing. maybe I'll rebiuld her this winter<br />and see how it goes.<br />now the wiring for tach is gone too <br />anybody got a part number for replacement handy?<br />wanted to keep eye on ebay maybe....<br />thanks guys!<br />M.Y.

 

[aredant]

Re: merControl upgrade

I just did a rewiring job on my mercontrol. All the rubber wiring that wasn't sheathed was crumbling. I ended up cutting a foot off the control end and resoldering everything. I am shocked at the way they just "crammed" all the wiring in the box, but my Johnson Hydroelectric drive was not much better. Love my 650 but the mercontrol feels like an ugly stepchild. Why does the control has to go a freaking 180 degrees?

 

[ZmOz]

Re: merControl upgrade

If you really don't want to do it, you could probably have it rebuilt somewhere for around $150. I've never had a boat before, never worked on boats before, and this is the first thing I fixed...and I found it pretty easy, other than all the grease that got everywhere!