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Thinking about 1980 50hp Merc

K

ktriebol

New member
In 1980 I bought a new Sylvan 16 foot boat along with Shorelander trailer and a 50hp Mercury 2 cycle 4 cylinder engine. I had to sell the whole rig in 1989, but now it appears it will be up for sale again and I am considering buying it for my daughter. I haven't seen it since 1989, and don't know anything about the condition of the motor at this time. If I do buy it, I plan on going through the motor to make sure it is in good operating condition before handing it over to my daughter. After looking at some of the parts lists, it seems that most of the parts for the motor are no longer available. This could be a big problem, and is my main concern. I can perform the mechanical and electrical work that is required, but I don't want to be caught in a situation where I can't repair the motor due to the unavailability of parts. I would like to hear your opinions as to whether or not it is a good idea to get involved with a motor of that vintage.
 
Who said that parts are NLA for it ??---------Look on this site for the parts.--------Most everything is available for normal maintenance work.
 
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Ignition parts are available, carb kits (although if it has the Tillotson carb the kit is "not complete", they keep cutting back what it includes as they run out of bits/pieces), but if it has a Walbro it's still well supported.

Water pump and seal kits are still available.

But it is a 36 year old motor - a bit of maintenance to keep it running well is one thing, rebuilding would be quite another.
 
I'm happy to see that this site seems to have the usual maintenance parts that will be required over time. As I recall, this motor has the Walbro carbs too, so that is a good thing. Thanks for the replies!

-Ken
 
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