Wow! Almost 10,000 Views! I'd like to take a moment to say, I did not think this craigslist video would get this many views! I'm sorry about the camera angle, as there's nothing much I can do about it. But I will definitely be making more videos soon! Thank you again! :)
I had one just like this! Same year and everything. It used to be on a 13ft Whaler. I was sad to see it go when I found out the bottom of the block corroded through the bottom cylinder after taking the head off. But when it ran, it performed like a champ! Glad to see this one restored to this degree.
great to see an old lady running! Any suggestions on where to source parts for these old gals? I just aquired a 1970 500 and need to replace ignition switch and choke switch.
Boy oh boy that's a tough one, I went to an old mom and pop shop that had a couple of these sitting out ready to scrap so I asked kindly if I could salvage parts off of them. They only wanted a few bucks for some of the parts I needed but if you don't have anything like that craigslist is a good place to start! Thanks nice words and for watching! :)
Fenderman250 I found a possible online source @ oldmercs.com They are in eastern PA so almost local to me. Just need to wait for Monday when they are open to see if they have the exact parts. Thanks again.
Stupid question I was just given a boat with this motor. Haven’t really had time to mess with it yet , tired looking for a serial number but couldn’t find it. Is it a 2 or a 4 stroke?
HI There! I can't remember where the serial numbers were on these (I think the transom mount?) but these particular models are two strokes (Needs 50:1 I believe). Hope this helps!
I’ve got the same motor starts every time mine has distributor cap in it I never put a water pump in a boat motor but I finally found a diagram showing how the gaskets and wear plate goes took me a week to find pics. Great motors for sure. My brother in law is sick for trading it to me lollllllllll.
Hey I just got a boat with the same motor on it and for the life of me I can't get it to start and Stay running without holding the key in not sure tried cleaning the carbs and played with the air and fuel screws all the way in and all the way out?? I'm lost
That sounds a lot like timing to me or the carbs aren't synced. The quick way (To get home) I usually do is close them all off then open them slowly until it runs on its own. (I've had my fair share of dumb things happening on the water LOL) One of the other things that might be happening is you may have a blown head gasket, I'd check your plugs to make sure they're all burning fuel and not trying to burn water. Thanks for the comment and I hope this helps!
Thanks for the video! You wouldnt know how to get the needle float unstuck without tearing the whole carbs off the motor? When i pump my prime bulb i got gas pouring out the vent hole on the top carb.
Interesting!! That sounds like a clogged port as well, I found that SOMETIMES you can get away with a couple little blasts of compressed air but more often then not it’s safer to open them all up, clean them and introduce some new seals. That way you won’t have to paddle back to the launch. (Or in my case use a minn Kota LOL) I’d also recommend since you have that blockage to balance the carbs after you fix it as well. It’s better for the engine and can save you $$ at the pump! Hope this helps!!
IIRC these have have a separate cable and lever for that. So what I would do is clean, grease and reset everything in line with that choke assembly all the way up to the controls. Worst case scenario is that linkage is broken, but I think they do make aftermarket replacements. They're just a PIA to get set up right, takes about 2 hours in my experience.
howdy! what I have might work for you. The manual is quite old but it has a ton of visuals in it. I'll get that to you early Thursday morning! Thanks for watching!
have the same motor. wish I could see where the black wire from the choke solinoid is hooked up too. rebuilt my carbs but now I don't know where that black wire went to ?????
I've got an easier solution for you if you want to give it a shot, keep it simple and check your thermostat. If you think the block is truly plugged you'll need air, make sure the system is dry as possible (I MEAN DRY) then take off the thermostat housing and blow it out with an air compressor. If it appears that no matter what you do the block isn't getting cleaned out, you'll most likely have to pull off the head and clean it out by hand (assuming you already checked the impeller).
Unfortunately I no longer have that motor but I remember the serial number plate being underneath where the motor bolts to the transom (the bracket) sometimes it is covered under a whole bunch of grease, sometimes it corrodes off completely from saltwater. Were I you, I'd start by cleaning off all of the grime underneath the cowling and see if you can find it. If it's not there, you might find some interesting numbers toward the side of the block that houses the electric ignition. Hope this helps!
+Shane Leffel Okay, I ended up selling this motor but if I'm not mistaken there are a few adjustments you need to make. Check out 8:05 in the video. That plastic part between the carbs keeps them synchronized. Before you make any adjustments to the cable I recommend you make sure both carbs are completely clean. If that doesn't work let me know, I have a PDF of service manual for the two carb models I can send to you via E-mail. Thanks for watching!
Sorry I missed this one, this was quite some years back but depending on what you're looking for, this place can help: www.marineengine.com/parts/mercury-outboard/index.php For the most part, a lot of local mom and pop marine shops have odds and ends. That's where I remember getting parts for this one. : www.soundmarinerepair.com/ They may or may not ship depending on where you are! Hope this helps! :D
Gosh, I haven't had this motor in 11 years... Best of my recollection it was some kind of funky shock assist (At least that's what I also see at 00:01 if you pause it there with the cylinder right at the start). Then at 8:15 I can see more of the system on the right (Left facing it). I THINK that's where a lever is, if you follow the notched sides to the Left (Right, Facing it) like in 5:14 I see where the adjustment bar is, along there should be some linkage that should allow the motor to unlock and be able to swing freely. I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but that's about what my process for finding it would be without having it in front of me.
What, you mean to tell me you don't think I'm pretty enough anymore?! Nothing has been the same since KaReN came into your life! UGH! Hahaha thanks for watching dude, things happen.. video is already made...Nothing I can do about it now.
Erik Peterson that arm that controls all the carbs that connects to the control arm on the side of the motor. There should be some bolts/screws. I just tune them so the motor doesn’t grind into any gears at idle between forward and reverse.
hi i have a mercury 500 50hp thunderbolt im wanting to change the power head as i have another good power head .the 500 50hp is down on compression in number 4 cylinder .. im having trouble getting the cowling away from around the power head is their any trick to it ? if anyone could have a PDF or the right way how to pull the power head off from leg would be appreciated .thank you ..
@@dalecordova Mine does not have termostat. I had problem with cooling. There was a hole on the metal between cooling channels and exhaust. The engine did not get any water because of that. The exhaust press down the water before it reaches the engine.
Okay, below is what I found from the manual, I don't know exactly what your numbers are so were I you, I would reference the below instructions to see what you can find. Good Luck and thanks for watching! :) CARBURETOR. Standard make of carburetor is a Tillotson KD-5A on Model 400 prior to serial number 2979679. Standard make of carburetor on all other models is a MerCarb WMK. Standard main jet (20-Fig. MlO-1) size on early models is 0.0785 inch (2 mm) and 0.072 inch (1.83 mm) on later models (after serial number 5823917). Various main jet (20) sizes are available for adjusting the calibration for elevations or other special conditions
Good question! I think it's one that spins! Haha, I have no idea and the motor is long gone. I imagine it was the stock one that came with it though, it looks identical to the one in the manual I don't really know for sure. Thanks for watching! :)
I have no idea what that 1978 stands for that he shows at the beginning of the video. Mercury 500's were made between 1971 and 1974. Cross check the serial number is the only sure way. I have a 500 with a serial #4076524 which was made in 1974
Bob Travis Now that I think about it it's probably has something to do with the ignition model. Then again it could be a part from a different motor although I highly doubt it. Thanks for the view though! :)
Bob Travis. Hey buddy i have a question where can I find the serial number I have one just like the one in the video and I can't find the serial number to save my life I need a impeller and a belt and the shop needs the serial number please help thanks.
I have had problem since last year, out of options, only working on top and bottom cylinder, just two, not four. Had carburetor's cleaned but still not working properly. would appreciate any advice or help. 1975 500 mercury, 50 hp motor. would appreciate pdf of service manuel at delores.foster@gmail.com. Thanks so much.
Wow! Almost 10,000 Views! I'd like to take a moment to say, I did not think this craigslist video would get this many views! I'm sorry about the camera angle, as there's nothing much I can do about it. But I will definitely be making more videos soon! Thank you again! :)
Hii...what is normal compresion for this engine? 9.7 bar without throttle on my is that ok?
I had one just like this! Same year and everything. It used to be on a 13ft Whaler. I was sad to see it go when I found out the bottom of the block corroded through the bottom cylinder after taking the head off. But when it ran, it performed like a champ! Glad to see this one restored to this degree.
I have the same motor its a 1979 and carburetors and linkage and linkage completly missing and your video showed me everything Thank you very much
good morning I have an engine of this same model but the ignition system is totally different did you put another one?
great to see an old lady running! Any suggestions on where to source parts for these old gals? I just aquired a 1970 500 and need to replace ignition switch and choke switch.
Boy oh boy that's a tough one, I went to an old mom and pop shop that had a couple of these sitting out ready to scrap so I asked kindly if I could salvage parts off of them. They only wanted a few bucks for some of the parts I needed but if you don't have anything like that craigslist is a good place to start!
Thanks nice words and for watching! :)
Fenderman250 I found a possible online source @ oldmercs.com
They are in eastern PA so almost local to me. Just need to wait for Monday when they are open to see if they have the exact parts.
Thanks again.
Motor now sounds good but not pumping water, new water pump installed. Appreciate any feedback.
I'm glad it's working out for you so far! Check your thermostat to make sure it's not clogged.
Could you please tilt the camera to vertical? My neck is getting sore!
Stupid question I was just given a boat with this motor. Haven’t really had time to mess with it yet , tired looking for a serial number but couldn’t find it. Is it a 2 or a 4 stroke?
HI There! I can't remember where the serial numbers were on these (I think the transom mount?) but these particular models are two strokes (Needs 50:1 I believe). Hope this helps!
I’ve got the same motor starts every time mine has distributor cap in it I never put a water pump in a boat motor but I finally found a diagram showing how the gaskets and wear plate goes took me a week to find pics. Great motors for sure. My brother in law is sick for trading it to me lollllllllll.
Mercury seems to have made a great product for sure! Loved that story! LOL
great video, thank you.
Hey I just got a boat with the same motor on it and for the life of me I can't get it to start and Stay running without holding the key in not sure tried cleaning the carbs and played with the air and fuel screws all the way in and all the way out?? I'm lost
That sounds a lot like timing to me or the carbs aren't synced. The quick way (To get home) I usually do is close them all off then open them slowly until it runs on its own.
(I've had my fair share of dumb things happening on the water LOL)
One of the other things that might be happening is you may have a blown head gasket, I'd check your plugs to make sure they're all burning fuel and not trying to burn water.
Thanks for the comment and I hope this helps!
Thanks for the video! You wouldnt know how to get the needle float unstuck without tearing the whole carbs off the motor? When i pump my prime bulb i got gas pouring out the vent hole on the top carb.
Interesting!! That sounds like a clogged port as well, I found that SOMETIMES you can get away with a couple little blasts of compressed air but more often then not it’s safer to open them all up, clean them and introduce some new seals. That way you won’t have to paddle back to the launch. (Or in my case use a minn Kota LOL) I’d also recommend since you have that blockage to balance the carbs after you fix it as well. It’s better for the engine and can save you $$ at the pump!
Hope this helps!!
Hey, great looking engine. Any advice on if the choke gets stuck when you you turn it on and won't go off unless is you manually do it?
IIRC these have have a separate cable and lever for that. So what I would do is clean, grease and reset everything in line with that choke assembly all the way up to the controls. Worst case scenario is that linkage is broken, but I think they do make aftermarket replacements. They're just a PIA to get set up right, takes about 2 hours in my experience.
@@TheFenderman awesome thanks so much for the advice!
Thank you for the video. Do you have the wiring picture for the power trim unit, motor and pump?
howdy! what I have might work for you. The manual is quite old but it has a ton of visuals in it. I'll get that to you early Thursday morning! Thanks for watching!
I found a couple of diagrams of the power trim unit, send me an e-mail and I will forward it your way.
Go to MAXRULES.com, that guy will have your info
have the same motor. wish I could see where the black wire from the choke solinoid is hooked up too. rebuilt my carbs but now I don't know where that black wire went to
?????
Wish I could tell you too, I'll dig around a bit during the week and see what I can find!
Thank you for watching! :)
does the motor lock or can you lift it at any given time
how do you shift manually
where do the shifter controls hook to motor
Any diagram of the water passage route through the block, I have a 66 Merc 500, the pee tube was blocked but have found the block is plugged also
I've got an easier solution for you if you want to give it a shot, keep it simple and check your thermostat. If you think the block is truly plugged you'll need air, make sure the system is dry as possible (I MEAN DRY) then take off the thermostat housing and blow it out with an air compressor. If it appears that no matter what you do the block isn't getting cleaned out, you'll most likely have to pull off the head and clean it out by hand (assuming you already checked the impeller).
Is this for motor for sale?
i have the same exact motor bro , now i have no spark , is there any fuse or anything on these motors? thinking it is the stator
I would check the all of the electronics before you tear into the flywheel. Such as an emergency shutoff switch, relays...that sort of thing.
Fenderman250 where is the emergency shut off relay locate at I don’t see it ? Is it in the engine or the throttle ignition control?
@@samhandsom236 brown cable is possibly grounded.
Hey dude, where is the serial number location on that motor I have the exact same one and can't find a serial number location
Unfortunately I no longer have that motor but I remember the serial number plate being underneath where the motor bolts to the transom (the bracket) sometimes it is covered under a whole bunch of grease, sometimes it corrodes off completely from saltwater. Were I you, I'd start by cleaning off all of the grime underneath the cowling and see if you can find it. If it's not there, you might find some interesting numbers toward the side of the block that houses the electric ignition.
Hope this helps!
i have same motor do you know how to adjust the throttle cable mine is not engaging both carbs at same time
+Shane Leffel Okay, I ended up selling this motor but if I'm not mistaken there are a few adjustments you need to make. Check out 8:05 in the video. That plastic part between the carbs keeps them synchronized. Before you make any adjustments to the cable I recommend you make sure both carbs are completely clean. If that doesn't work let me know, I have a PDF of service manual for the two carb models I can send to you via E-mail. Thanks for watching!
Should any water come out the top exhaust area where the two exhaust ports are?
IM WONDERING THE SAME THING. its not pissing.
what spark plugs were you using I have the exact same motor? and what does the compression need to be?
Where did you find parts I have one and it hasn’t been ran in a while please help 😂
Sorry I missed this one, this was quite some years back but depending on what you're looking for, this place can help: www.marineengine.com/parts/mercury-outboard/index.php
For the most part, a lot of local mom and pop marine shops have odds and ends. That's where I remember getting parts for this one. : www.soundmarinerepair.com/
They may or may not ship depending on where you are!
Hope this helps! :D
How do you tilt yours I can’t figure mine out
Gosh, I haven't had this motor in 11 years... Best of my recollection it was some kind of funky shock assist (At least that's what I also see at 00:01 if you pause it there with the cylinder right at the start). Then at 8:15 I can see more of the system on the right (Left facing it). I THINK that's where a lever is, if you follow the notched sides to the Left (Right, Facing it) like in 5:14 I see where the adjustment bar is, along there should be some linkage that should allow the motor to unlock and be able to swing freely. I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but that's about what my process for finding it would be without having it in front of me.
Good video, you really have to take a pair of nail calipers to those finger nails.
What, you mean to tell me you don't think I'm pretty enough anymore?! Nothing has been the same since KaReN came into your life! UGH!
Hahaha thanks for watching dude, things happen.. video is already made...Nothing I can do about it now.
How do you adjust the idle speed. Mine is all jacked up.
Erik Peterson that arm that controls all the carbs that connects to the control arm on the side of the motor. There should be some bolts/screws. I just tune them so the motor doesn’t grind into any gears at idle between forward and reverse.
hi i have a mercury 500 50hp thunderbolt im wanting to change the power head as i have another good power head .the 500 50hp is down on compression in number 4 cylinder .. im having trouble getting the cowling away from around the power head is their any trick to it ? if anyone could have a PDF or the right way how to pull the power head off from leg would be appreciated .thank you ..
Hello! Is there any thermostat in this engine?
I'm wondering about where the thermostat is also because mine is overheating
@@dalecordova
Mine does not have termostat.
I had problem with cooling. There was a hole on the metal between cooling channels and exhaust. The engine did not get any water because of that. The exhaust press down the water before it reaches the engine.
Where can I purchase that motor
If I still had it I'd sell it! Ended up selling this one a little after this video was made unfortunately.
Still not running rite ,missing a cyl perhaps?
have a 1979 merc and lt looks the same. Trying to restore it and need Carb kits and floats for it. Can you send me in the right direction to buy them.
Woo! Parts for these are scarce but I might be able to locate some parts #'s for you. Let me see what I can find!
Okay, below is what I found from the manual, I don't know exactly what your numbers are so were I you, I would reference the below instructions to see what you can find. Good Luck and thanks for watching! :)
CARBURETOR. Standard make of carburetor is a Tillotson KD-5A on Model 400 prior to serial number 2979679. Standard make of carburetor on all other models is a MerCarb WMK. Standard main jet (20-Fig. MlO-1) size on early models is 0.0785 inch (2 mm) and 0.072 inch (1.83 mm) on later models (after serial number 5823917). Various main jet (20) sizes are available for adjusting the calibration for elevations or other special conditions
Try oldmercs.com
What kind of prop does it have
Good question! I think it's one that spins! Haha, I have no idea and the motor is long gone. I imagine it was the stock one that came with it though, it looks identical to the one in the manual I don't really know for sure. Thanks for watching! :)
is this 2 stroke
Sure is!
its only running on 3 cylinders! running bad bad bad
Yeah Sorry about that, It doesn't help that that stand holds it up so high, that stand holds that motor probably 6ft 8in in the air My apologies!
Where is the serial number on these engines?
Usually found on the transom bracket of the motor.
I have same ❤
I have no idea what that 1978 stands for that he shows at the beginning of the video. Mercury 500's were made between 1971 and 1974. Cross check the serial number is the only sure way. I have a 500 with a serial #4076524 which was made in 1974
Bob Travis Now that I think about it it's probably has something to do with the ignition model. Then again it could be a part from a different motor although I highly doubt it. Thanks for the view though! :)
Bob Travis. Hey buddy i have a question where can I find the serial number I have one just like the one in the video and I can't find the serial number to save my life I need a impeller and a belt and the shop needs the serial number please help thanks.
It is a '78.
thanks both carbs have been cleaned if you could send me the pdf of service manual that would be greatly appreciated thanks
+Shane Leffel Sure thing! Shoot me an E-mail at fenderman250@gmail.com And I'll get that to you.
buenas noches. te contacte por gmail espero me puedas ayudar
I have had problem since last year, out of options, only working on top and bottom cylinder, just two, not four. Had carburetor's cleaned but still not working properly. would appreciate any advice or help. 1975 500 mercury, 50 hp motor. would appreciate pdf of service manuel at delores.foster@gmail.com. Thanks so much.
Delores Foster it's your power pack if not the trigger