jim_mccarthy
Member
I'm really confused. I bought a mercury 500 recently that was purported to be a 1981 model, but according to the serial number it's a 1977---I think.this particular motor needed a new starter solenoid (it was absent when i got it) and according to the serial number, a new one mounts on the starter by means of a circular bracket. That's not the way it is however. The solenoid this motor needs mounts flat on the upper left front of the engine on a piece covering the carburetors. After checking various sites, some of the say it requires the solenoid with the circular bracket, and some indicate one with a flat bracket is needed. Clearly the flat bracket is needed and I believe the solenoid I need is part #852565. I need to know what engine I have and would appreciate some help determining what this thing really is. The serial number on this engine is 4577631 which according to some means it is a 1977. Can anyone help me with this dilemma?