"JT" writes:


ordered a new 25 hp. Mercury outboard for our milfoil barge. Pulled it out
of the crate to install and noticed there was no prop...

Nothing surprises me about Merc outbaords. In the 70s, I did a stint
as an o/b motor mechanic at a boat rental. Couple dozen motors from
25hp on down. My memories were, the cylinder/piston assy and prop
gears were damn near indestructible, but the electrical and cooling
systems were pure junk.

If the motor overheated, all the plastic cooling jacket seals would
literally swell shut, preventing any further circulation of cooling
water and necessitating replacement of all seals. I literately ran 2
local shops out of seals stock. I never did understand that design
logic or why Mercs continued to sell so well in the racing arena.
Contingent money, maybe.

nb