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1960 Mercury 300 Service

Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 11:26 am
by Rapier
Was asked to look this one over for someone who'd bought it recently on ebay. It hadn't been used for 7-8 years since I'd sold it to a 3rd party, but had been kept inside in the warmth.

As a bit of background this motor was originally bought around 2006. It had been handpainted at some point in it's life, but was a freshwater motor from the Thames. I did some renovation work on it as a potential motor for a Pearly Miss Deluxe I owned. However by chance I found a mint 1971 Mercury 400 twin on ebay and used that instead...Later I realised that the 1960 400 (another ebay buy) was probably one to keep and the 300 was sold on.

These 300s are 1960 motors only, 39.6 cu.in, twin carb, 4 cylinder and 2-strokes running on 24:1 fuel / oil ratio originally. For 1961 the model was renamed the 350, but powerhead output remained the same; around 35 to 40hp at between 5200 and 5600 RPM. They were the 1st motors to be imported in 'volume' probably for popular runabout racing, but were extremely expensive. Most I've seen were manual start, but some have electric start and charging with the traditional 'cobrahead' style external wiring loom.

Owning one is a joy, the 300 idles nicely, manuals aren't bad to start (and can be converted to electric easily, if you dispense with factory loom, stator and regulator and find a toothed flywheel) and are as reliable as any 60 year old motor. They also look great...The downsides to owing one is a. the mild steel shaft corrodes over time, damages the seals and lets water through into the gearbox b. the waterpump seal / cap which is screwed in / out with a special factory tool - few mechanics grease up the threads before re-installing and then corrosion builds up welding the housing to the lower unit. I've had to drill / chisel a few out. Part of the problem is the tool itself, the lugs of which don't fit far enough down into the holes in the plate.. c. the gearboxes take a special semi liquid 'O' weight grease that is expensive and till recently hard to find here (replacements are John Deere Corn Head grease and Lubriplate 105 - now called Lubriplate Assembly grease). As usual with old Mercurys there are some specialist tools needed if worked on regularly.

People buy them as they look and sound very nice, but few outboard dealers / shops have either the knowledge, tools, or inclination to work on them. This is understandable, but life as we know it. I was lucky, years ago a marine engineer allowed me into his shop to work on my own motors (with his tools), for which I am immensely grateful. What it boils down to though, is at today's (business) labour rates these motors (and any old outboards) are completely uneconomical to run / service unless you work on them yourself (or have deep pockets).

Re: 1960 Mercury 300 Service

Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 8:58 pm
by Rapier
Various steps shown in the pics. The motor had no spark, was stuck in gear and the owner was as concerned about the cracking fuel hoses - available & made new in the US, so he ordered those from a reputable supplier. I've drained and refilled the gearbox with fresh Lubriplate 105. The carbs cleaned and idle set up and disty checked, points set and bench tested (see video below) - all will be bolted up, followed by the fuel lines, plug gaps checked and installed, upper cowl bolted on ( later Mercs had quick release versions, yay!) and I should be able to do a tank / flush test soon after.

https://youtu.be/6MhofrytDVY

Re: 1960 Mercury 300 Service

Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 4:29 pm
by Rapier
Successful test run yesterday - the motor started 2nd pull and settled in once it was warm.

https://youtu.be/wDv9Z-uf1k8

Re: 1960 Mercury 300 Service

Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2019 11:06 pm
by Rapier
Owner is a happy man. Having run this one again, am excited at the possibility of putting my own 300E on my Pearly Miss - such great motors.

Re: 1960 Mercury 300 Service

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2023 9:58 am
by Skippy
I was really interested in this post of your 1960 Mercury 300.
I've had my 350 for about 4 years on a Tod (Weymouth) 1960's speedboat.
This year I have failed to start it...no spark!
Don't really no where to begin but would really like to refurbish the engine both mechanically and with afresh coat of paint and decals.
Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.