1969 Merc 350?

[blkmtrfan]

My son and I got a new boat:

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?p=907631#post907631

I came with this gem of a motor:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/blkmtrfan/motor1.jpg

So far I have only run it on the hose, but it seems to run great :cool:

I also got the original O&M manual and read it cover to cover :D

I also found this:

http://www.oldmercs.com/196769merc350.htm

But I would like to know any information from the collectors about what family of motors it is similar to (just like this 3/cyl, or this 40hp motor, etc) and what parts interchange (I would really like to have power trim) with other mrec products, or anything else that is important about this model.

Thanks guys, Scott

[Raceman]

Just like anything old, I'd replace the waterpump impeller and drain/examine/replace the gearcase oil.

[blkmtrfan]

Thanks Norris,

The previous owner just had the impeller replaced, and I do plan to change the gearcase oil.

So what interesting tidbits do you know about these motors?

[MagicFloat]

Good motor,built before the dreaded 1970 Merc 400,which was possibly the worst engine Merc ever built. It was followed by the Merc 402 in 1972,model designation was changed so we would forever forget the 70-71 400. Most parts still available for the 350, we don't have to worry about the 400,doubt any still run with the ignition system they had. Your thread brings back memories,some good,some bad,as a young Merc dealer.Thanks for the post

[Raceman]

Good motor,built before the dreaded 1970 Merc 400,which was possibly the worst engine Merc ever built. It was followed by the Merc 402 in 1972,model designation was changed so we would forever forget the 70-71 400. Most parts still available for the 350, we don't have to worry about the 400,doubt any still run with the ignition system they had. Your thread brings back memories,some good,some bad,as a young Merc dealer.Thanks for the post

What was the deal on the '70 Merc 400? I don't remember ever hearin' about it.

[MagicFloat]

Ignition was run by a white plastic rotor under the flywheel.had a metal band around it to trigger the 2 sensors. It would easily warp,engine would not run,I think every 400 we sold had the problem.After a long period,Merc admitted the problem and came out with a fix kit,the 402 ignition. But by then the 400's were out of warranty and the fix kit was several hundred dollars,more than some of the 400's were worth.The 402 was just a 400 with the new ignition,it was a fine engine,as was the 350. The 402 designation was just to make us forget the 400.Most of the dealers back then never forgot,I know I never did.

[blkmtrfan]

Thanks for the insite MagicFloat

[mk30h]

I thought I heard a story somewhere that Carl K was so pissed with the 400 that he bulldozed a number of the engines in a Pit at lake X. Any truth to it?

[MagicFloat]

Never heard that story but it would not surprise me at all. If I could have afforded a bulldozer in 1970 I would have done the same thing.I mentioned this thread this morning to the technician that was us then,he has his own service shop now.Asked him if he remembered the 400. He even remembered the part #'s for the fix kit. Original ignition rotor was white, the replacement rotor was black. The black rotor would allow the engine to run until the warranty expired. Looking back 35 years,kind of a funny episode. Lots of 35 year old Mercs still running great(I have a few) but the 400 died a long time ago.

[Raceman]

MF, since you remember some of the old problems, how 'bout the one with the shortshaft 4 cyl 850 and 850XS egg shapin' the lower cyls, while the 20" motor didn't have the same problem? I know Merc had an exhaust kit to fix it, but it's long since NLA. You have any memory of that?

[MagicFloat]

RM,that's a new one on me. We raced 850 short shafts in early 70's in FG and SG. The one thing we never had was any engine failures of any kind.Please share details and i will ask my tech guy from the old days. Robert

[blkmtrfan]

Do any of you guys know if the newer 25hp-40hp mercury props fit this motor?

[rnelems]

No,the 69's had a small prop shaft,went to the new,larger shaft in mid 1970.

[blkmtrfan]

So does the 9.9 & 15 hp stuff fit it or is it unique?

[MagicFloat]

Only prop to my knowlwdge that will fit are the old 11 spline ones from the old days. I believe the 10" pitch is still available from Merc

[blkmtrfan]

Thanks MagicFloat, I did find that Michigan Wheel makes a replacement as well, but I was really hoping to put on one of those new trophy sport props ...

[fountain1fan]

Thanks MagicFloat, I did find that Michigan Wheel makes a replacement as well, but I was really hoping to put on one of those new trophy sport props ...

doin't know about the TS but you can have a new prop with a 11 sp hub put in it prop shop can do it .robbie

[blkmtrfan]

doin't know about the TS but you can have a new prop with a 11 sp hub put in it prop shop can do it .robbie

Thanks for the reply, I kind of figured that as well, just trying to do it on the cheap, LOL

[JrCRXHF]

Only prop to my knowlwdge that will fit are the old 11 spline ones from the old days. I believe the 10" pitch is still available from Merc


yup i have one of the motors on my little Cat. It is a good motor starts and runs every time. (knock on wood) but really belongs on a pontoon. But does not the job for me right now it gets my beer to where i am going. I have a few props for mine but with the 11 tooth spline you are very limited.

[blkmtrfan]

I have a few props for mine but with the 11 tooth spline you are very limited.

Let me know if you every want to sell any ;)

[JrCRXHF]

I will ask my Dad tonight to look and see what i have left i know i have a 2 blade prop and then i think a 17p too but i need to check with him because it has been a few years. I think one i paid 400+ dollars for from michigan wheel. At that point i decided this motor was a lost cause i just ran with what i have. I would really like to get a 44xs or one of the rubber ducky motors.

[blkmtrfan]

Thanks for the replay, let me know what you find.

I don't think we can turn a 17p, but see what else you have :)

[JrCRXHF]

Thanks for the replay, let me know what you find.

I don't think we can turn a 17p, but see what else you have :)



Well do right now dad is pretty busy putting a 250xs on his 205 four winns so i will try and bug him about it.

[blkmtrfan]

Well do right now dad is pretty busy putting a 250xs on his 205 four winns so i will try and bug him about it.

Thanks

In no real hurry, but would like to know what you find

Scott