Mercury 150 hp "J" Block short shaft for sale

**ddh7691** · 08-29-2023, 12:19 PM

'Up for sale is a 1974 150 hp outboard motor-"J" code (see Attachment) on the block Serial # 3912493. It is a short shaft (15") model. I am the 2nd owner of the motor. I received it from the family that purchased it new in 1974. The motor features:

Original Mercury 2-blade Brass propeller 22 pitch
Louvered cowling
NOS wiring Harness
NOS Distributor trigger
New Water Pump Impeller

This motor is in exceptional condition. The original factory leaded crankcase seal is still intact so the motor has never been opened up and all of the paint appears to be original. The motor starts right up and idles nicely. I have video of the motor running- if interested just ask.

It was originally purchased new in Wisconsin and has seen 100% usage in freshwater only.

Included in the auction is all of the original documentation that came with it when it was purchased new including the original bill of sale, Operation and Maintenance manual, parts manual, service manual, all original factory tags, ziploc document bag and a vintage 6-pak of formula 50-D 2-cycle lubricant.

All indications are that this motor has seen little use and abuse over the years. It truly is a unique offering especially one in original running condition.

Motor can be picked up or this motor can be shipped anywhere in the US and possibly Canada. Provide your shipping information and I can put together a shipping quote. Custom crating is an additional $350.

I have more pics which I will try to upload later this evening. Thanks for checking and reach back out with any questions. Looking to get $5700

**ddh7691** · 08-31-2023, 09:53 AM

Pictures

**mragu** · 08-31-2023, 09:31 PM

Beautiful!!!!!

**d3k** · 09-01-2023, 10:19 PM

yes nice looking engine
but it looks like a 20' mid to me
the 15" 150s have a low water pick up

**jk67switzer** · 09-03-2023, 06:09 PM

I bought one of the first new 1500 xs's in '74 - no low water pickup. They were added later in '74 or for the '75 model - can't recall which. Also pretty sure that is a 15" mid. The picture angle is not great to be sure.

**d3k** · 09-03-2023, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by jk67switzer

I bought one of the first new 1500 xs's in '74 - no low water pickup. They were added later in '74 or for the '75 model - can't recall which. Also pretty sure that is a 15" mid. The picture angle is not great to be sure.

i stand corrected my bad
my xs1500 is a 76 and has low water pick up
the location is strange so not sure if its any better

**superman77** · 09-04-2023, 10:35 AM

Please call or text me at 810-357-8111 thx Gary

**superman77** · 09-04-2023, 10:37 AM

Thank you

**rhardwick** · 09-05-2023, 07:20 AM

Only the red stripe 1500XS engines had low water pick up. This was great for tunnel boats, not so much for V bottom hulls. With the pick up holes in the bearing carrier it is easy to over trim and starve the engine for water on V bottoms.

**superman77** · 09-05-2023, 11:34 AM

If this is still for sale call or text me at 810-357-8111 Gary

**Tom Smyth** · 09-05-2023, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by rhardwick

Only the red stripe 1500XS engines had low water pick up. This was great for tunnel boats, not so much for V bottom hulls. With the pick up holes in the bearing carrier it is easy to over trim and starve the engine for water on V bottoms.

we’ll I beg to differ. On the vintage circuit just about everyone is running lower water pickup lower units on 15’ and 16’ Allison’s and other vee bottoms. If you know how to set up your boat this is the combo to have. Still carry over 10 psi water pressure

**riverracer2** · 09-05-2023, 02:22 PM

Nice old survivor !!

**rhardwick** · 09-05-2023, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by Tom Smyth

we’ll I beg to differ. On the vintage circuit just about everyone is running lower water pickup lower units on 15’ and 16’ Allison’s and other vee bottoms. If you know how to set up your boat this is the combo to have. Still carry over 10 psi water pressure

I agree IF they are setup properly there are no issues. Too many were setup on bass boats (real fishing boats, not race boats) and they would burn up from no water pressure. We would see cavitation burns on the lower units just past the water intake holes. We actually purchased 2 from Mercury after they had been returned after replacing 2 powerheads.
The XS was designed for competition racing, we ran one on a APBA SJ and never had any issues. I put the same engine on my 16' Allison and burned the top piston, I guess I was trim happy with the Mercury quick trim system.

I don't want to hi jack this thread, good luck selling the awesome 1500E, just wish I had a hull to put it on!

**SS170** · 09-07-2023, 01:55 PM

One of the best looking motors Merc ever made.

**rhardwick** · 09-07-2023, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by SS170

One of the best looking motors Merc ever made.

You are correct! I was working at a marina on Lake Martin and remember seeing the Merc 78A, 1100SS, 1250, 1350 short shafts on Glasspars, Glastron GT143, Checkmates and the original Allisons. The guys would all lean forward to get the boats on plane with the 2 blade brass props, once they got on plane look for the rooster tail and the distinct Merc short shaft sound!
The game was over when the 1500E started showing up! 1 pint Mercury oil to 5 gallons of Amoco White Gas!