block identity

[hrvx]

First let me thank everyone who has faxed, phoned and emiled me recently with help and information on Merc outboards. Now that I'm getting the hang of it, most of the questions I come up with I can answer myself using Mercpartsexpress. However some things are still up to the more experienced guys.
When I started to tear down the "150 2L" I immediately saw that the bore was 3 3/8 so I looked around front and found horizontal reeds. Wonderful! A 2.4 200hp block! My question is about the serial numbers on the freeze plugs, or the lack of them. The port expansion plug has a capital F on it and the starboard bank plug has the number 200. Is this a "F"actory "200" replacement powerhead? Where are the real serial numbers?
Thanks again.

[TTriton]

Don't know about a F-200 as being a factory 200... I have seen engine's with the plug removed and replaced with a plug that says REMAN for a factory reconditioned block..

[hrvx]

But where are the serial numbers on the block?

[TTriton]

the serail number would have been on a ID plate stamped into the place where you see the 200 stamped in the top of the block. If you can see the 200 then the serail number has been removed and there is no other serial number on the block. All you have to go by now is that it IS a 200 block and now you look on the port side of the block by the throttle and timing linkage and you can see the date stamp. If this engien is all original there will also be a serail number plate on the clamp on the starbord side kind of hidden by the midsection

[hrvx]

Mercinstein has a 150 mid and lower has nose cone with single hose low water and factory motormounts (ugh)

[TTriton]

what do you need from the number?? It is a Merc 200 and once you check the date you will be able to get a serial number range.

If you can post the date on the side I can look up the serial numbers that should work on that block.

[hrvx]

Thanks again! The motor is lying on its port side in a trailer. When I get it in the shop I'll take a look. I'm trying to find out as much as i can so I'll be able to order parts. I have a chart with serial number ranges so I guess I could fake a number.

[TTriton]

sounds like a plan to me.. If you need help finding the date stamp just let me know I can e-mail pics of where it is.. But it is failrly easy.. It is right behind the timing arm on the block side of the flange stamped in.