?? about Merc Inline 6 Lower Unit w/ Low Water Pickup

[motoxconnection]

Hey guys, quick question for you inline gurus. Were the 1500XS engines the only inline 6 engines with low water pickups?? If so, fine. If not, what other inlines were offered with low water pickup lower units? Please let me know.

I bought a empty housing and wanted to know if the 1500XS was the only one.

Rich

[Raceman]

The 1500XS was the ONLY inline 6 that had low water pickups from the factory. The 850XS used the same low water pickup housing, although it was geared differently than the 1500XS. (2:1 for 1500XS, 2.3:1 for 850XS) The low water pickup gearcases were put on the engines from the factory in '76, 77, & 78 ONLY.

[largecar91]

The bearing carrier is different in the low water pick up housings. Without it, the case will not work(at least with a low water pick up). I have heard you can machine the stock bearing carrier but I have never tried it and it doesn't look like there is enough room to do it. The one on the left is a stock inline bearing carrier and the one on the right is a new old stock one for a 1500XS or 850XS.

[motoxconnection]

thanks guys, what is a nice case with no damage and good paint worth??

[largecar91]

I was going to bid on it but it went too high for me. But I'm cheap! In my opinion, it's probably worth what you paid for it to someone that has the parts to put it together. You could try to find a bearing carrier for it. They do pop up from time to time. All the other parts from a standard case are the same to finish it out. I have seen people asking around a grand for them complete. Not sure if they get it or not.