Serial # help

[vnemous]

Can anyone decode this serial #. Its off the welch plug on the top of the light cylinder. B381866 It is suppose to be a 1988 2.4 200hp THanks Mike

[shooter1]

Serial # shows it to be 175 HP verticle reed motor according to my MIDAS software. I don't know what year but probably 1988. Hope this helps.

Shooter1

[vnemous]

This motor pushes my 21 challenger to 68 mph at 6000rpm. What could have been done to this motor to achieve 200 hp and these speeds? Thanks Mike

[shooter1]

Does it it have verticle reed or horizontal? It might have had a front changed and some or work.

Shooter1

[vnemous]

Is that the only diff between a 175 and 200, carbs and reeds? All other spec seem the same. bore/stroke Thanks Mike

[vnemous]

I just checked my motor and it has horizontal reeds. Can I believe that this has been upgraded to a 200

[shooter1]

It sounds like the front has been changed. You might look and see what carbs are on the motor. The # should be stamped on top. I checked the # on Mercury parts Expess and it comes up a vert. reed motor also.

Shooter1

[Jon.Bucy]

vnemous
Depending on year,175 mercs had both horizontal and vertical reeds.I believe to bump your 175 to 200 you will need horizontal reeds,big bore 200 carbs,200 set heads(higher compression),200 megaphone,if you have inner-exhaust liner,cut out.All items can be purchased second hand,Lo-cost at many marine mechanic shops.If you want to go a little more Hi-tech,an EFI front end.They can also be purchased second hand,Lo-cost.Just look out for old or faulty injectors.
P.S.Check your gearcase,gear ratio.Not extremely important as props can compinsate for difference in gears. Good luck.