Mercury "Merc 40" 4HP Mystery Year - is it really a 1969?

sbratesman

Recruit
Joined
Jun 13, 2003
Messages
1
I need help identifying the proper year and lower-unit type for my Mercury "Merc 40" 4HP outboard motor, serial # 2499042. <br /><br />According to page A-2 of the Seloc Mercury Outboard Tune-up & Repair Manual, Vol. I, 1965-91, 1&2 cyl. my outboard should be a 1969 4.0HP motor with a Mercury "Type A" lower unit, and forward gear only, no reverse. <br /><br />However, my motor has a forward-neutral-reverse lever, I know it runs in reverse, and the lower-unit matches the Seloc illustrations for a Mercury "Type B" lower unit, which should not have appeared (according to Seloc) until 1975 (serial number 4108120-or-higher).<br /><br />What gives? Was my motor made in the Twilight Zone? Do other books put S/N# 2499042 in a different year? Did Mercury make a 4HP motor with reverse gear and type B lower unit in 1969? Is it really a 4.0HP motor or 4.5HP?<br /><br />Does it take the same water impeller replacement kit as a 1969 4HP Type A lower-unit would take, or should I be looking for a different water impeller replacement kit?<br /><br />Your kind assistance would be most appreciated.
 

Hooty

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
4,496
Re: Mercury "Merc 40" 4HP Mystery Year - is it really a 1969?

My intel sez that serial nr. is ah 1969 Merc 40. :confused: <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty
 

Bear

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 1, 2001
Messages
1,627
Re: Mercury "Merc 40" 4HP Mystery Year - is it really a 1969?

40 (4,0) 2498136 - 2771621 1969 1 cyl <br /><br />40 1 CYL. 4 H.P. 1 CYL 1969-1971 2498136 thru 3296136 <br /> http://www.boaterssupply.com/ <br /><br />Try to find exploded views of your lower unit. Maybe someone did a powerhead or l/u swap?
 
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