mercury question

[jwclbi]

ok heres the question. I have a 1998 merc efi 225hp, 25". I have an opportunity to purchase a 2000 250 efi saltwater series 30". I know certain engines use different spline/teeth on the drive shaft. my question is does anyone know how to find this info. All my local dealers are closed today, and I'm not sure they will know. I have the serial #'s to both engine but mercury wants $20 talk on their classic hotline. Which states from 1939-1989. mine is not classic yet, but still no chat. Not to sound cheap but that seems like BS to me. Well thanks for any info.

[Bigshrimpin]

If it's a 1998 for sure . . . . then it's the same spline.

Only the old 1994 or 95'ish 225hp 3.0L carb engines had the driveshaft with the unusual splines.

The 1998 will probably have a 2pc shaft lower unit and the 2000 250EFI will have a 1pc . . . doesn't matter they both work the same.



BTW - I have a 1996 250 EFI powerhead mounted on a 2001 3.0L 225hp 30" midsection sitting in my garage now.

[flyingfrizzle]

I second that, should be the same. I just sold a 1999 and had a 2000 as well and they were the same. Im fairly sure all the way back to 1997 is the same but pre 07 not sure.

[jwclbi]

made a couple phone calls this afternoon, you guys are right it will fit, the 3.0 gear case is the same. can't wait to see how the boat runs with it

[jwclbi]

So here is another question for 30" outboard to 25" outboard. I can buy the 30" 250hp, remove the lower unit and spacer and install my 25" shafted lower unit. The problem is what to do, if anything that isn't too difficult, with the shift shaft and water tube(possibly cut water tub??) Anyone know how hard is it too swap shift shaft. Any thoughts would be great, thank you.

[flyingfrizzle]

Originally Posted by jwclbi

So here is another question for 30" outboard to 25" outboard. I can buy the 30" 250hp, remove the lower unit and spacer and install my 25" shafted lower unit. The problem is what to do, if anything that isn't too difficult, with the shift shaft and water tube(possibly cut water tub??) Anyone know how hard is it too swap shift shaft. Any thoughts would be great, thank you.

You should be able to do that, I think some of the shift levers had extensions on them. That may be just the ones with the short drive shaft lower units with the different shaft extensions to make them fit the different length legs. If it is the model with a solid one piece shaft it will probably have a one piece shift shaft but they are not to hard to swap if you have a good one the right length. The water tube can just be cut or swapped as well. I thought most of the 30 in legs with the extensions had the short 2 piece shafts so you may be able to just pull the extensions off and slide it back together and not need anything. Big shrimpin may know more....