Classic Mercury Hotline or classic ripoff? - Moderated Discussion Areas

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area
  Classic Mercury Hotline or classic ripoff?

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   Classic Mercury Hotline or classic ripoff?

frontier posted 09-19-2013 11:08 AM ET (US)
Had a question about my old 1960's Merc.
Went to the official Mercury outboard website.
Under "Service and Support" clicked on "Classic Mercury Hotline".
For 1939 to 1989 motors, they give a non toll free phone number then say "Call assistance is $20.00 per inquiry, payable by Visa or MasterCard only."
Does Mercury know the meaning of "Customer Service"?

Binkster posted 09-19-2013 12:12 PM ET (US)
Try John'sOld Mercury site;
http://johnsoldmercurysite.com/phpBB3/
They have more info about your old Merc anyway.
They would like you to send a donation, but its optional.
Hope this doesn't give jimh any ideas.
rich
saumon posted 09-19-2013 02:44 PM ET (US)
For old Mercs, I've always found http://www.maxrules.com/ to be really helpful.
macfam posted 09-19-2013 02:49 PM ET (US)
You know when you're out in your Whaler and you see those Cabo's and Merritt's go by............
Well it's those guys who think of charging "$$$$ for information" that make millions!!
Accurate information is valuable, and more and more you'll have to pay for it. Just try to get someone's phone number for free..... It's becoming more difficult.
Actually, that's why this site is so good, great information for no cost!
(Don't get any ideas jimh!!!!)
L H G posted 09-19-2013 04:32 PM ET (US)
Quit complaining - Is there a "HOTLINE" offered by BRP or Yamaha for their classic 1939-1989 outboards?
For someone who needs help with one of these engines, there are very few old Mercury dealers left who can work on these engines, know them, and find parts for them. For good information, the $20 could be a bargain. It also keeps hundreds of "tire kickers" and classic engines shoppers from wasting Mercury's time for free. If you are willing to pay 20 bucks, you are serious. This is not the same as on online discussion forum such as this.
I only know of two really competent operations that work on and restore old Mercs, but one is way up north in Hayward WI, and the other is way down south in Pompano Beach FL, about 2000 miles away from each other. There might be one in Delaware also that I have heard about.
I also have heard that Sue's Dad, at Twin Cities, has extensive old Merc experience. But that's it for me.
I just came really close to buying a beautiful WI barn find, all original 1966 950SS Merc L6, with only 212 original hours on it, but one of these guys told me the electronic ignition component (very first year they offered it) was literally not available anywhere, and once it goes, if it does, I'd have an expensive conversion problem. So I took a pass. Had I not known this shop, I would have gladly paid the $20 for that kind of information.
frontier posted 09-19-2013 05:45 PM ET (US)
Yes, Yamaha does offer a hotline for their outboard customers.
A toll-free phone number for all customers, not just the newer ones. No charge.
A while back they helped me out on my 1985 Yamaha outboard. Helpful, knowledgeable people.
I guess they figure if they treat all customers well, they just might go back to them when looking for a new outboard.
What a novel concept: real "Customer Service".
Provide good quality, good service and good price and people will tell friends and come back and buy a new one.
I did.
george nagy posted 09-19-2013 05:48 PM ET (US)
I wonder who you will be speaking to on the other end of the line, a mechanic or a call center kid either in the US or overseas somewhere who will read off of a q & a sheet? Anybody use this service before?
jimh posted 09-19-2013 08:41 PM ET (US)
At the Mercury paid hot line, you get to speak to Carl Kiekhaefer or Charlie Strang.
OMCrobert posted 09-19-2013 10:13 PM ET (US)
It is Miss Cleo's psychic friend hotline. They will tell you the winning lotto numbers so you can afford to repower.
george nagy posted 09-20-2013 05:00 PM ET (US)
Boy! that axe has got be almost ground down to the handle by now. What about Suzuki, Tohatsu and Honda ? Do they have a hotline? I really can't imagine that that exclusive Mercury hotline gets much use, from what I hear or read their engines are so unbelievably great and wonderful it is a mystery why anyone would need assistance with one? Humm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sosmerc posted 09-20-2013 07:46 PM ET (US)
There are still a few of "us" old timers around with experience working on 1960's vintage Mercs. If I can't answer your questions, my friend Thom Adams (alias Frankenmerc) probably can.
And I'm sure we are not the only "mossbacks" around with experience wrenching on old Mercs.
Jamesgt727 posted 09-20-2013 09:56 PM ET (US)
Sosmerc - please send contact info, I'm trying to get into a Merc I-6, I've got some opportunities around the country, and a few models I'm after, would enjoy some good advise on the subject. Thanks.
Binkster posted 09-21-2013 01:58 PM ET (US)
Why would Mercury be interested in giving you helpful info on repairing or maintaining your "classic" Merc. I'm sure your paying $20 to listen to some high pressure clown trying to put a new 4 stroke Merc on your boat with fantantic financing and a looong warrentee.
While we're at the free info site, I'd be interested to know the last year that Merc built the inline 4 cyl, 50 hp model. Somewhere in the late '80's I think. I'm looking for one. I think Larry or sosmerc must know.
rich
L H G posted 09-22-2013 01:56 AM ET (US)
Rich - From what I know and remember, here is the history on the 4 cylinder Mercury 50:
1. First offered in 1961. Continued as a powerhead rated "50" through 1985.
2. 1986-1989. Engine now called a "Classic Fifty" but rated as 45 HP. (probably prop rated)
3. 1990-1993. Received a new cowling and rated/sold as a 40HP engine. This would have been a strong 40 no doubt.
But there are probably more factors that would affect your choice, as over the 32 years the engines were continuously upgraded in technology. Most specifically, the elimination of points (Thunderbolt ignition) in 1967, the change from a distributor to solid state ADI (alternator driven ignition) "distributorless". I'm guessing that was around 1980.
They are great little engines. See the 13 Reference Section for a photo of my 1958 13 Sport with a 1970 50 on it.
Binkster posted 09-22-2013 08:21 AM ET (US)
Larry, I'm looking at a '77 Merc 500 that is owned by a member of AOMCI. The engine has been stored for years, all original but for a new ignition box. The current owner bought it and a bunch of other stuff from another member when he passed away. It is stored inside but was never run by the current owner. It looks like it has spent a long time in the sun by the faded look of the decals. I think at the least it would have to be rewired, carbs rebuilt, new water pump. Not sure if the motor has even comes with the plug in wiring harness. What do you think it is worth?
rich
Tohsgib posted 09-23-2013 02:26 PM ET (US)
Not much Rich if you can't do a compression test. Couple hunge if you can. They were probably the best engine Merc ever made and are readily available. Other than the switchbox, the electronics on them are $$$ and the wiring has a habit of crumbling when it gets old so a new stator, etc might be needed. I had a 1982 and you could not kill it. If it has PTnT that adds another $150 or so to it as you can sell them in a heartbeat if the engine is shongo.
jimh posted 09-28-2013 08:02 PM ET (US)
I owned a 1976 Mercury 500, the 50-HP, four-cylinder, 44-cubic-inch engine. It did not have a distributor. It had the "Thunderbolt" ignition, a reasonably modern solid-state ignition system. I don't know if 1976 was the first year of that improvement. All the wiring insulation was a rubber based insulation, and it will be prone to drying out and cracking. My engine have power trim and tilt. It was a great motor.
I once asked my Mercury deal what he would recommend for re-powering my boat, a classic Boston Whaler SPORT 15. The Mercury dealer said not to re-power; I already had the best engine possible on the boat.
I still have the service manual for the engine. If anyone is interested, contact me by email.
jimh posted 09-28-2013 08:04 PM ET (US)
Oops--make that "...did not have power trim..."

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: Classic Mercury Hotline or classic ripoff?
frontier	posted 09-19-2013 11:08 AM ET (US) Had a question about my old 1960's Merc. Went to the official Mercury outboard website. Under "Service and Support" clicked on "Classic Mercury Hotline". For 1939 to 1989 motors, they give a non toll free phone number then say "Call assistance is $20.00 per inquiry, payable by Visa or MasterCard only." Does Mercury know the meaning of "Customer Service"?
Binkster	posted 09-19-2013 12:12 PM ET (US) Try John'sOld Mercury site; http://johnsoldmercurysite.com/phpBB3/ They have more info about your old Merc anyway. They would like you to send a donation, but its optional. Hope this doesn't give jimh any ideas. rich
saumon	posted 09-19-2013 02:44 PM ET (US) For old Mercs, I've always found http://www.maxrules.com/ to be really helpful.
macfam	posted 09-19-2013 02:49 PM ET (US) You know when you're out in your Whaler and you see those Cabo's and Merritt's go by............ Well it's those guys who think of charging "$$$$ for information" that make millions!! Accurate information is valuable, and more and more you'll have to pay for it. Just try to get someone's phone number for free..... It's becoming more difficult. Actually, that's why this site is so good, great information for no cost! (Don't get any ideas jimh!!!!)
L H G	posted 09-19-2013 04:32 PM ET (US) Quit complaining - Is there a "HOTLINE" offered by BRP or Yamaha for their classic 1939-1989 outboards? For someone who needs help with one of these engines, there are very few old Mercury dealers left who can work on these engines, know them, and find parts for them. For good information, the $20 could be a bargain. It also keeps hundreds of "tire kickers" and classic engines shoppers from wasting Mercury's time for free. If you are willing to pay 20 bucks, you are serious. This is not the same as on online discussion forum such as this. I only know of two really competent operations that work on and restore old Mercs, but one is way up north in Hayward WI, and the other is way down south in Pompano Beach FL, about 2000 miles away from each other. There might be one in Delaware also that I have heard about. I also have heard that Sue's Dad, at Twin Cities, has extensive old Merc experience. But that's it for me. I just came really close to buying a beautiful WI barn find, all original 1966 950SS Merc L6, with only 212 original hours on it, but one of these guys told me the electronic ignition component (very first year they offered it) was literally not available anywhere, and once it goes, if it does, I'd have an expensive conversion problem. So I took a pass. Had I not known this shop, I would have gladly paid the $20 for that kind of information.
frontier	posted 09-19-2013 05:45 PM ET (US) Yes, Yamaha does offer a hotline for their outboard customers. A toll-free phone number for all customers, not just the newer ones. No charge. A while back they helped me out on my 1985 Yamaha outboard. Helpful, knowledgeable people. I guess they figure if they treat all customers well, they just might go back to them when looking for a new outboard. What a novel concept: real "Customer Service". Provide good quality, good service and good price and people will tell friends and come back and buy a new one. I did.
george nagy	posted 09-19-2013 05:48 PM ET (US) I wonder who you will be speaking to on the other end of the line, a mechanic or a call center kid either in the US or overseas somewhere who will read off of a q & a sheet? Anybody use this service before?
jimh	posted 09-19-2013 08:41 PM ET (US) At the Mercury paid hot line, you get to speak to Carl Kiekhaefer or Charlie Strang.
OMCrobert	posted 09-19-2013 10:13 PM ET (US) It is Miss Cleo's psychic friend hotline. They will tell you the winning lotto numbers so you can afford to repower.
george nagy	posted 09-20-2013 05:00 PM ET (US) Boy! that axe has got be almost ground down to the handle by now. What about Suzuki, Tohatsu and Honda ? Do they have a hotline? I really can't imagine that that exclusive Mercury hotline gets much use, from what I hear or read their engines are so unbelievably great and wonderful it is a mystery why anyone would need assistance with one? Humm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sosmerc	posted 09-20-2013 07:46 PM ET (US) There are still a few of "us" old timers around with experience working on 1960's vintage Mercs. If I can't answer your questions, my friend Thom Adams (alias Frankenmerc) probably can. And I'm sure we are not the only "mossbacks" around with experience wrenching on old Mercs.
Jamesgt727	posted 09-20-2013 09:56 PM ET (US) Sosmerc - please send contact info, I'm trying to get into a Merc I-6, I've got some opportunities around the country, and a few models I'm after, would enjoy some good advise on the subject. Thanks.
Binkster	posted 09-21-2013 01:58 PM ET (US) Why would Mercury be interested in giving you helpful info on repairing or maintaining your "classic" Merc. I'm sure your paying $20 to listen to some high pressure clown trying to put a new 4 stroke Merc on your boat with fantantic financing and a looong warrentee. While we're at the free info site, I'd be interested to know the last year that Merc built the inline 4 cyl, 50 hp model. Somewhere in the late '80's I think. I'm looking for one. I think Larry or sosmerc must know. rich
L H G	posted 09-22-2013 01:56 AM ET (US) Rich - From what I know and remember, here is the history on the 4 cylinder Mercury 50: 1. First offered in 1961. Continued as a powerhead rated "50" through 1985. 2. 1986-1989. Engine now called a "Classic Fifty" but rated as 45 HP. (probably prop rated) 3. 1990-1993. Received a new cowling and rated/sold as a 40HP engine. This would have been a strong 40 no doubt. But there are probably more factors that would affect your choice, as over the 32 years the engines were continuously upgraded in technology. Most specifically, the elimination of points (Thunderbolt ignition) in 1967, the change from a distributor to solid state ADI (alternator driven ignition) "distributorless". I'm guessing that was around 1980. They are great little engines. See the 13 Reference Section for a photo of my 1958 13 Sport with a 1970 50 on it.
Binkster	posted 09-22-2013 08:21 AM ET (US) Larry, I'm looking at a '77 Merc 500 that is owned by a member of AOMCI. The engine has been stored for years, all original but for a new ignition box. The current owner bought it and a bunch of other stuff from another member when he passed away. It is stored inside but was never run by the current owner. It looks like it has spent a long time in the sun by the faded look of the decals. I think at the least it would have to be rewired, carbs rebuilt, new water pump. Not sure if the motor has even comes with the plug in wiring harness. What do you think it is worth? rich
Tohsgib	posted 09-23-2013 02:26 PM ET (US) Not much Rich if you can't do a compression test. Couple hunge if you can. They were probably the best engine Merc ever made and are readily available. Other than the switchbox, the electronics on them are $$$ and the wiring has a habit of crumbling when it gets old so a new stator, etc might be needed. I had a 1982 and you could not kill it. If it has PTnT that adds another $150 or so to it as you can sell them in a heartbeat if the engine is shongo.
jimh	posted 09-28-2013 08:02 PM ET (US) I owned a 1976 Mercury 500, the 50-HP, four-cylinder, 44-cubic-inch engine. It did not have a distributor. It had the "Thunderbolt" ignition, a reasonably modern solid-state ignition system. I don't know if 1976 was the first year of that improvement. All the wiring insulation was a rubber based insulation, and it will be prone to drying out and cracking. My engine have power trim and tilt. It was a great motor. I once asked my Mercury deal what he would recommend for re-powering my boat, a classic Boston Whaler SPORT 15. The Mercury dealer said not to re-power; I already had the best engine possible on the boat. I still have the service manual for the engine. If anyone is interested, contact me by email.
jimh	posted 09-28-2013 08:04 PM ET (US) Oops--make that "...did not have power trim..."