Mercury Classic 50 tips and advice

[danmortimer]

Hi All,<br /><br />Well, I’m very new to this board and very new to boats so any help or advice given is greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Recently bought a 13" speed boat with a non running mercury 'classic' 50 outboard, (2 stroke 4 cylinder) the initial problem seemed to be a starter motor but we still can't get the thing to turn over after striping and building another one from 2 starters, (just get a single 'clunk' sound from engine when key is turned)so we think now it may be the solenoid, does anyone have any hints or tips etc, neither of us has tested a solenoid before.<br /><br />Also I’m trying to find the age of the motor, we reckon its about 1981. It doesn’t have the serial plate where mercury say to look but does have a sticker with the following number in the same place (on the clamp bracket).<br /><br />9480713<br />also<br />P/N 332-5772A1 (sticker inside engine)<br />10178359 (stamped in to top of engine block)<br /><br />The motor hasn't run for around 12-18 months.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Dan

 

[dilligafda]

Re: Mercury Classic 50 tips and advice

Welcome Dan! You will find alot of help and an incredible amount of knowlege within this forum.<br /><br />My first question is can you roll the engine over by hand with the spark plugs removed? If so, then have the starter checked by a reputable shop to determine if the problem is in the starter or not. <br /><br />If the engine will not roll over by hand with the plugs removed , you need to find out why it is stuck. I suspect that the rings and bearings got gummed up from sitting for so long, especially if the engine was not properly stored. You should also check the gearcase and waterpump. Sitting for 12-18 months can cause the waterpump impeller to take a set and not function properly when the engine does start.<br /><br />Check that stuff out and let us know what you find out! Good Luck!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Mercury Classic 50 tips and advice

50 9469200 - 9506135 1987<br /><br />Jump from the battery side(Big terminal on selonoid from battery) to the cable going to the starter( other Big terminal on selonoid to starter), therby bypassing the selonoid. Use heavy wire and be aware that sparks will fly, but no harm! Ignition does not have to be on. Also, make sure ALL your connections, both positive and negative are clean and tight from the battery to the starter, including the small ones on the selonoid.

 

[danmortimer]

Re: Mercury Classic 50 tips and advice

Thanks dilligaf/rick for the quick replies. The engine will turn over (manually turning fly wheel) haven't tried with plugs removed but doesn’t seem to be stuck, The newly built starter motor flicks the small metal cog up (sorry don't know the name of all parts) when directly connected to a battery, we need now to check out all the connections i think and test solenoid, I will get back to you when I have checked these out.<br /><br />Also thanks for the age of engine been its bugging me for a while that one.<br /><br />dan