Mercury motor question

[Bassy]

We just got a Mercury outboard motor. We want to know what year and how many horses it has.<br /> The cover of it says this:<br />Kiekhaefer<br />Mercury<br />Mark 55<br />Thunderbolt Four<br />I believe the serial # is 1427-814 ? But not sure.<br />Can anyone help me?<br />Bassy

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Mercury motor question

1955-58 Mark 55 /Thunderbolt 40Hp<br />1955-58 Mark 55E/Thunderbolt MercElectric 40Hp<br />1956-58 Mark 55H/Thunderbolt Hydro 40Hp +<br /><br />That's out of Peter Hunn's "The Old Outboard Book" vol.1<br /><br />Is it black or white? Black is newer, white is older. They were made in Cedarburg, WI (some in Beaver Dam I guess).<br /><br />I have absolutely no idea why they called it Mark 55 if it only has 40Hp.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Mercury motor question

I *think* they called it a Mark 55 because that version came out in 1955, I have a Mark 58 and it came out in 1958. But really there's no way to reason the Mark models.<br /><br />It might prolly be a color other than black or white. The years you listed are "pre-white".<br /><br />It's a 40 cubic inch motor. Further, assuming you can get it going, they are one of the most reliable outboards ever made. The total production run of that basic motor ran from 1949 to 1999. Most all the parts it would ever need are available.<br /><br />If you need specific help do a search on "John's Old Mercury Board". <br /><br />-W

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Mercury motor question

Link to John's<br /><br /> http://www.pfs-ware.com/kwast/mercboard/index.htm <br /><br />-W

 

[Bassy]

Re: Mercury motor question

1955-58 Mark 55E/Thunderbolt MercElectric 40Hp<br />That looks like that's it.<br />The writing is black letters with a white background. <br />Is that what you meant,Willy?<br />The motor cover looks black to me.<br />Thanks to all of you for the fast replies, we're so excited.<br />The 65 Merc we got with the boat, this is going on, came<br />with no nuetral or reverse, so we will finally get this boat <br />on the water.<br />Yiippee!<br />Bassy

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Mercury motor question

That's it, but take your time and do it right.<br /><br />Make sure it gats a new waterpump impeller and is properly cleaned and lubed to come out of "hibernation". <br /><br />My 1958 Mark 58 is coming all the way apart before I try to fire it up. Not saying you have to be that drastic, but be carefull.<br /><br />-W

 

[Bassy]

Re: Mercury motor question

Thanks Clams, we'll be careful and take our time. Hubby is out hooking up the steering today. One thing at a time. <br />Bassy

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Mercury motor question

also, the california climate is not nice to the<br />rubber hoses and anything else rubber.<br />good luck and cool motor

 

[Bassy]

Re: Mercury motor question

Yes, MY, we'll have to do that too. Thanks for mentioning it. We're quite a ways from being on the water, but it'll get there. One thing at a time. But it sure is exciting.