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Mercury 85 HP

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kizmet

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"I just purchased an Ebbtide D

"I just purchased an Ebbtide Dyna Trak 179 (1985) with an 85 HP Mercury Engine. Serial number is 3493926. Would like to know year of motor.

Seems to run fine. Cranks right up and idles fine. Is there any preventative measures I can take with the engine, not knowing its entire history?"
 
"John, the motor is a 1973 mod

"John, the motor is a 1973 model. In fact, by that serial it was about the 13th, 4 cylinder model that Mercury produced in that horsepower.

That production run lasted until 1977 when they stopped building the 85 horse (or Model 850, as they called it)...

If you don't know (or don't trust the history) always assume that normal maintenance "wasn't done".

Change the impeller and lower gear oil for sure - very cheap insurance against a costly failure.

Visually inspect "under the hood". Check for signs of wear (ie frayed wires, rotted hoses) and replace anything that doesn't appear to be serviceable.

Pull the distributor cap and make sure it looks clean under there. Check any filters (fuel, water separator (if present)) and replace is damaged/partially clogged).

The fact that it seems to run well is positive. Personally I would probably at least replace the spark plugs as well...."
 
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