What year would this Merc 140 be...have SN

[thunderroad]

4443117 is the serial number. It's in a Mark Twain, about 17' I'm guessing. For sale in the next town. Boat is cosmetically rough but seems to be structurally sound. Owner swears it runs and know of no MAJOR problems. Admits to some wiring issues and the obvious cosmetics. My brother would like a low buck boat to fool around with in the river other than his fishing setup. I'd like another low buck boat project. The cosmetic stuff is fun. My question is...my boat is a Merc 160 w/sn of 2497444. Is the drive on this other boat from the same family and would it, or parts of it, be interchangeable with mine should I buy it and lose interest or find out I'm in over my head?
For the record....the asking price is $700, he might take $500 and it's sitting on what looks like a decent 2 axle trailer.
I know it ain't much money but just the same, I'd rather not totally waste it.

 

[Don S]

Re: What year would this Merc 140 be...have SN

The 4443117 number is in the range of the parts listings for the 1972 to 78 vintage. Your 160 sn puts it in the 67 to 69 vintage IL6 engine.
There is really no way of tracking down Exactly what year.

You might be able to call Mercruiser and get it, but none of there online or offline dealer computer software has info on engines and drives that old.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What year would this Merc 140 be...have SN

Is the drive on this other boat from the same family and would it, or parts of it, be interchangeable with mine should I buy it and lose interest or find out I'm in over my head?

Ayuh...........