1974 2-Stroke Mercury 1500 Direct Drive 150 Horsepower aka "Tower of Power" Start-Up

1974 Mercury 1500 Direct Drive, 150 H.P. "Tower of Power"
This 40 year old hunk of power has been sitting under a pecan tree at least since 1985. I don't know when the previous owner last cranked it but the last inspection sticker was from 1985. It cranked up and ran smoothly IMMEDIATELY! (Once I had it wired correctly that is). To top it all off I was even spraying carburetor cleaner into the intakes by mistake. (The cans were identical). That didn't even stop it. Once I corrected the wiring and pushed the throttle the RIGHT way, it just fired right up. I'm very impressed with this motor.
Wiring Diagram: maxrules.com/oldmercs/Wiring/...

[@UltraMagaFan]

I don’t like Mercury, I’m an OMC guy, but I cannot deny the fact that those inline 6 tower of power engines are pretty cool and unique.

[@aubreyholman1951]

I regret selling it but I did not have time to work on it

[@narutofanz4]

Look at all that 2 stroke power

[@PrimeInk-dn8lx]

Cool mate restore the old girl! No sckool like the old skool. Im restoring a Merc 150 2 stroke 1984 clam shell model atm. I just love overtaking day skippers with new motors that they paid 20,000 for hahaha

[@aubreyholman1951]

This video is from years ago. I had neither the time nor money so I ended up selling it and tripling my money on it. I may be looking for another one though.

[@aubreyholman1951]

You're making me wish I had another one now 😔

[@kami009]

I just bought boat with this exact motor on it that hasn’t been started in a few decades as well, thanks for making this video and proving diagram links hopefully I can get it going with a little luck and not much money the guy I bought it from couldn’t start it he said he changed the starter but he thinks the carbs are gunked up he also said it’s got good compression do you know what the compression should be on these motors

[@aubreyholman1951]

No idea. That link may have it. I say just fill that sucker full of carb cleaner a few times and give it a shot. If one wire is wrong it will not crank. I would get a diagram and trace it all first (if it's been rewired).

[@andykerr3803]

It is more important that all cylinders are close in compression. Not more than 10 psi apart. 120 psi would be really good. I had one also, take your time, do a thorough cleaning, even all electrical contacts. Lubricate and silicone. Slight corrosion, gunk and patina on contacts are what kills old motors. Open ports and spray cleaner right on piston rings...Make sure they are free and oiled before you turn over motor. You don't want you gouge cylinders. Spray cleaner then oil in spark plugs holes as well. Then you will get a proper compressin reading. It is an excellent motor. Good luck 👍

[@crissbalz9962]

Plz send a picture of the wiring diagram

[@aubreyholman1951]

maxrules.com/oldmercs/Wiring/1966ona/35.pdf

[@aubreyholman1951]

maxrules.com/oldmercs

[@Veemack21]

Where does the blue wire go!?

[@lloydmorris6545]

Nice video, thanks. I have a 79 115 hasn't been started in over 9 years that I'm working on. Can you post the link to that wiring diagram please? Thanks

[@aubreyholman1951]

Sorry Lloyd. I'm just now seeing this comment. You probably have this already but in case you don't I THINK this is it.. If not it is the site that will get you to it. www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwifoIfE6MjTAhUi2oMKHUZoDpYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.maxrules.com%2Fmercwireindex.html&psig=AFQjCNEM9BkkTvfUt_o3xEIsBENsmJqZPg&ust=1493526126397057 Here is the main site page: www.maxrules.com/mercwireindex.html Let me know how your motor is coming along.. 9 years.. it should start right up :)

[@aubreyholman1951]

Did you ever get yours started? If so post a video 😁

[@lloydmorris6545]

Aubrey I did get it wired and yes it did start right up after finishing the carbs and other things

[@lloydmorris6545]

@@aubreyholman1951 I'll post a vid later

[@dcc2444]

Would you happen to know the part number for the the stator? I have the same motor and just found a Quicksilver stator kit number 398-9710A48. Its been sitting since 1998 after a full rebuild but could not find a good stator, been sitting in my garage ever since...

[@aubreyholman1951]

Sorry I didn't answer. No way I'd know the part number. If you haven't already, send me your serial number, model number or any other pedigree info and I can try to find one for you.

[@aubreyholman1951]

Here is the wiring diagram from Precision Scan. maxrules.com/oldmercs/Wiring/1966ona/35.pdf

[@suttonhermann1551]

How much oil you mix for your fuel?

[@aubreyholman1951]

Sorry. I sold that a few years ago. Don't remember

[@jasonvanderhoff2]

@@aubreyholman1951 50:1

[@boathead22000]

impressed with it....lol. i wouldnt leave the boat dock

[@aubreyholman1951]

😆😆 We have waterproof mobile phones now, take a chance man! I would definitely bring plenty of food and water though.

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

Direct Drive? That engine has a F-N-R gearcase. Direct Charge was name Mercury gave to a modified version of a Crossflow engine. Looking at the Powerhead, I suspect that that is not the Original Block, as by 74, Mercury was painting the block. So who knows what this FrankenMerc engine really is

[@aubreyholman1951]

No idea. I sold it years ago 🤷‍♂️