Possible ex-military merc 50

[Nos4r2]

I've been offered yet another 50hp blueband merc. It's one of the last ones with the 4 coil ignition, pullstart only and it runs like an absolute dream.<br /><br />There's only one problem.There's no s/n plate on the clamp and no holes where one's ever been.There's no s/n on the block, crankcases or anything anywhere. I already have a siezed one of (visually)the exact same model that I've been using as spares for my own older merc and where the alloy plate recessed on the block is on the siezed one, on this new one there's absolutely nothing. No hole where it used to be, no file marks to suggest it's stolen and there's a cast rib across the area on the new motor where s/n is on the crankcase of the siezed engine. All the original engine paint is on the powerhead, complete with age-consistent chips and minor corrosion etc.<br />The cowl and leg have been repainted quite badly by someone, and underneath it there's a layer of olive drab. Could this possibly be an ex-military engine?<br />The other thing that springs to mind is maybe it's got the crankcase from an earlier motor on that didn't have the S/N on there but was located elsewhere. Is this possible?<br />It's been offered to me by a business and the owner is quite happy to give me a full signed business receipt for it. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Possible ex-military merc 50

BTW I've been around bikes for years, worked in bike shops and so on and have seen a large number of blatantly stolen bikes that have been sold to poor unfortunate people so I know what to look for regarding evidence of theft and/or identity change. I've also seen a good few bikes with no s/n's on the engines as they were replacement cases due to accidents/rebuilds etc as they are supplied without numbers from the manufacturers. Is this common on outboards too?. I can't find ANY evidence that this merc might be stolen. I'm wondering if the crankcase may have been replaced during a major rebuild from a thrown rod or something. It HAS blatantly been rebuilt fully at some point as all-no exception-of the bolts and studs have evidence of anti-sieze grease on them and are all stainless throughout.

 

[Biggles]

Re: Possible ex-military merc 50

I have the same problem as you. I have a 50 HP Mercury Outboard. It looks like a Blueband and thats the spares I'm sorting.<br /><br />When I bought it I was told it was an ex MOD (UK Military) engine and I didn't think much of it at the time. It runs well but getting spare parts is a nightmare without a serial number. I just can't find one anywhere.<br /><br />Another intersting fact is that my engine is painted grey and it looks as though it is the original colour. Everything is grey with no sign of overspray anywhere. <br /><br />Nos4r2 I would be interested in how you get on with identifying exactly what model of engine you have.<br /><br />The main part I am having trouble with sourcing without a serial number is the correct Impellor and gasket set for my engine. Anybody else help ???<br /><br />I think mine has had a serial plate at some time but its missing. All thats left is two rivets on the transom arm.<br /><br />Nos4r2 have you got a spare serial plate?<br /><br />My engine has electric start and external Power Trim and tilt.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Possible ex-military merc 50

Mine was very easy to identify-its got coil rather than belt-driven distributor ignition. What type does yours have? I DO have a s/n for the same model-my spare siezed engine is the same as the ex-mod one I have but there's no guarantee that yours is the same model blueband as mine... Post a picture and ask clams camino what model it is is probably your best bet.

 

[Biggles]

Re: Possible ex-military merc 50

Okay thanks for that. <br /><br />Er how do you post a pic ???

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Possible ex-military merc 50

To post a pic , you need to upload it to a web hosting site like www.myfishingpictures.com<br /><br />copy the properties eg http://us.f3.yahoofs.com/users/41b57557z1a4644d3/8f78/__sr_/c3aa.jpg?phvT6ICBNoV5FY6L <br />and paste them into the "image" space and you should get ......<br />