1998 Mercury 50hp 4 Stroke w/ Stainless Steel Pro

I’m consideriing a ’98 Lund with a ’98 Mercury Mariner 50hp 4 Stroke w/ Stainless Steel Prop. Any and all comments related to this particular motor would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Ray221

The early Merc 50 hp four strokes were very much prone to electrical problems. Voltage regulators, stators, and coiles were a problem. I had an early model and found that about every year I had coils blow out, I replaced a voltage regulator, and stator in one 6 month period. I would not own another one.

TBO/MN

Thanks for the reponse. Meaningful input. Just curious, did the early Merc 50 hp four stroke have EFI (electronic fuel injection)?

Ray221

Not sure about the EFI…. But question for you. Are you sure it’s a 4-stroke? There were 50HP 2-strokes with 4 cylendars often mistaken for 4-strokes. People list them for sale as “4-cyl” and people get confused thinking it’s “4-cycle” aka 4-stroke.

J.

Jon,

The engine cowling has “Mariner Four stroke” on it with the word stroke in red script with all lower case letters.

Ray221

No, I believe the first ones were carberated models, and fuel injection came later. I am not positive about that though. I do know that the 2 stroke and 4 stroke electical systems were pretty much the same. I had a 60 2 stroke that had the same problems.

I no longer own those motors, and am selling my current Mercury, to be replaced with Yamahas.

Sounds like it is a 4-Stroke. If in doubt, check for an oil dipstick!!

Jon J.

Yamahas are my first choice also. Maybe I should be buying the motor I like?

Ray221

Merc four strokes and Yamaha four strokes are the same motors! Merc makes the block and lower unit and Yamaha does the power pack.

I think you have that mixed up, Yamaha makes the power head, Merc puts their electrical system and lower unit on it.

TBO/MN

Would you put a 90 hp 1999 Merc in the same category as the 1998 50 hp Merc. I’m looking at a second boat (a 1999 model 1775 PRO V with the 90). Any thoughts?

Also, I’d like to have the engine inspected/tested, Where/who would provide such a service? I live in south Minneapolis and this boat is in Bethel.

Again, TIA.

Ray221

I wouldn’t be affraid of the 90 Merc. They were always a solid engine. If the motor is in Bethel, I would make an appointment at Rapid Sport Marine, just a short ways down hiway 65, and ask for Ernie Moen. Have Ernie run some tests and he will give you the rundown on the condition of the motor. They may charge you a couple hours shop time to do it, but that way you will know the condition of the motor.

I have a 1660 Pro V tiller w/60 Merc for sale, great boat with everything you will ever need in a boat, for less money. Send me a private and we can talk. My boat will run as fast as the 1775 Pro V w/90.

TBO/MN

I’m on the road until late Friday. Will PM you over the weekend.

Ray221