TOPIC: Identify this Merc 50 hp

I'm looking at maybe picking up this Merc 50 hp. Anyone have any idea as to how old it is? It is a package deal boat, motor, trailer for $250 so can hardly go wrong if it runs well.

The red trim would make it somewhere between 67 and 71----Go to ----nymarine ----and look at all the decals variation there.

I was thinking mid 70's. Any bad Merc's in those days?

It looks just like my 68 Merc 500. The redband decal fades to silver. Whats the serial number? No issues with these model years that I know of. Mine runs excellent. I also have an older 65 that is bullet proof too. If it has good compression, a good lower unit and Thunderbolt ignition switchbox, you shouldn't have any issues. The rest can be easily replaced. (water pump impeller, carb kit, fuel pump kit, gaskets, plugs etc.)

That one is a '68, good engine but the ignition can be hard to get parts for and expensive. Good news is it can be converted back to a mag or to a later ignition driver ignition, but make sure it has spark before you buy it. Compression should be even at 120 psi across all cylinders and check the lower unit for water in the oil. Oh, and if you buy it ditch those dole fins on the lower unit, pronto.

Yep the 70, 71 had the parallel red bands with the black center... 68,69 had the full red band.

1972 and newer had blue trim.

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Then again parts with the trim colours do interchange for many years.

While the decals say it is a '68, the real way to tell is with the serial number. The 69 looks similar with detail differences such as an extra callout on the top cover and different fonts in the band. Also, the '68 and '69 had a early electronic ignition which while is good in design and reliable, it is tough to find parts for today and has no interchangeability with the later engines. The lower unit are different than the later post '71 engines as well, prop shaft is smaller with dedicated early jet style props needed, and the housing is smaller. No interchangeability with later engines.