Need help with a 1977 Mercury 50 Horse

[CatfishingMo]

I have to first start by saying this is the first Mercury I've ever owned and don't know anything about them. I have always run antique Evinrudes so when it comes to merc's I'm lost. I have a 1977 Mercury 50 Horse. My questions are What fuel to oil mix ratio should I use? And what type of oil should it be mixed with? Also I have not run the motor yet but I noticed that even with the motor in gear I can still turn the prop and it doesn't turn the motor it just makes a clicking sound and gives very little resistance. Is this normal? Or are the gears stripped or worn?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Need help with a 1977 Mercury 50 Horse

50:1 mix using any modern TCW-3 oil. It's normal for the prop to click like that. Post a photo if you can...love those Merc 500's.

 

[TriadSteeler]

Re: Need help with a 1977 Mercury 50 Horse

The oil mix ratio is 50:1

Always use TCW3 oil. Personally I use quicksilver.

The clicking is normal. Prop action in the various gears is as follows.

Forward - Will not rotate CCW and will click CW. The clicking I think is the clutch dog ratcheting (someone correct me if I'm wrong)

Neutral - Prop will spin freely both ways

Reverse - will not move in either direction.

Beat me to it TM.