Interchangeable Powerheads

I just picked up a 2001 Mercury 50 hp 3 cylinder 2 stroke with oil injection for $400. The power head threw a rod so it is trashed. I would prefer to fix this one and use on my boat, but I can't seem to find a used powerhead that isn't $2000. I did find one for $800 but I don't know if it will work. It is for a 1991 to 1997 50 / 55 / 60 hp motor. Does anyone know which years and horsepower models will fit my motor? I hear 1998 to 2007 40 and 50 hp engines are the same. Is there any other years? Thanks for your help in advance, I may just need to part it out if I can't find an affordable replacement.

I quickly compared the driveshaft and the exhaust housing - both are identical, so should bolt right up.

It looks like the 94 1/2 and newer 40 and 50 horse (3 cylinders) shared parts (looks like up until 2005 when US became restricted - don't know exactly when Merc ran out of EPA points in the US and pulled the 50 from the market - it was one of the last 3, 50/90/150EFI, 2 strokes still sold new in the US) and most likely until 2012 when the model completely discontinued (can't see them re-engineering the whole thing simply for export sales).

Graham,

Excellent information! Thank you for the research. Everything else is in perfect condition on the motor.

You haved to be careful as if replacement power head is off a bigfoot motor the crank and spline count is different.....