so what i have is a 1978 80hp thunderbolt ignition M800...i tried to see the serial number and they way the motor is right now, i could only make out the first 3 digits which are 483...it is the distributor less motor...so it has no distributor...I got this motor for free and i havnt had a chance to even turn this motor over yet bcuz here in Minnesota its too cold outside to do anything with outboard motors...so i will wait till spring and see what happens...apparently the gentleman who had it before me told me that it just suddenly shut down and he wasnt sure what was wrong with it...anyway, ill troubleshoot it this spring and see what happens...i guess i would like opinions about this motor...is it reliable? if i get it going, should i keep it or sell it or trade it??? so yeah, im looking for opinions...thanks everybody and merry xmas and happy new year thanks, Sincerly, Brian from Minnesota PS..this motor has not run in 3 years but nothing looks out of place and its pretty clean
