1962 Mercury 9.8 HP Merc 110 Outboard Specs & Part Numbers
Introduction
The 1962 Mercury 9.8 HP, designated as the Merc 110, is an iconic piece of American marine engineering. Produced by the Kiekhaefer Mercury corporation, this outboard motor is highly regarded by vintage boat enthusiasts for its exceptional power-to-weight ratio, innovative design, and reliability. This guide provides a comprehensive technical overview, tune-up specifications, and historical context for maintaining and restoring this classic motor.
—
Overview & Specifications
The Merc 110 name is derived from its displacement of 11.0 cubic inches. Despite its compact footprint, it delivers a true 9.8 horsepower, making it a highly sought-after motor for fishing boats, utility hulls, and dinghies of its era.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 9.8 HP @ 5000-5500 RPM |
| Cylinders | 2 (In-line) |
| Displacement | 11.0 cubic inches (approx. 180 cc) |
| Bore & Stroke | 2.00 in. x 1.75 in. (50.8 mm x 44.4 mm) |
| Weight | Approx. 55 lbs (25 kg) |
| Fuel-to-Oil Ratio | 50:1 using TC-W3 Outboard Oil and 87+ Octane unleaded gasoline (preferably ethanol-free). |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | External remote tank (typically 3.2 or 6 gallons) |
| Starter Type | Manual rewind pull starter |
Note on Fuel Ratio: While older Mercury outboards from the 1950s utilized a 24:1 ratio, the 1962 Merc 110 featured full needle-bearing and ball-bearing construction, allowing it to safely run on a modern 50:1 mix with high-quality TC-W3 2-cycle marine oil.
—
Common Maintenance & Tune-Up Specifications
Keeping a vintage Merc 110 running smoothly requires regular maintenance of the ignition system, fuel delivery, and cooling systems. Below are the key specifications for a standard tune-up:
Ignition System Specs
- Spark Plugs: Champion L86C (modern alternative: NGK B6HS or NGK BP6HS)
- Spark Plug Gap: 0.030 inches (0.76 mm)
- Breaker Points Gap: 0.020 inches (0.51 mm)
- Ignition System Type: Kiekhaefer Phelon Magneto (Dual-point ignition)
Fuel & Carburetor Adjustment
- Carburetor Model: Tillotson (typically AJ series, e.g., AJ-57A)
- Initial Low-Speed Needle Adjustment: Gently seat the idle mixture screw clockwise until closed, then back it out 1 to 1-1/4 turns as a starting point. Adjust while running in a test tank under load.
Lower Unit & Cooling System
- Water Pump Impeller: Located in the lower gearcase. It is highly recommended to replace the impeller every 2 seasons. The OEM replacement part number is historically 47-89981 (or modern aftermarket equivalent Sierra 18-3007).
- Gearcase Lubricant: Quicksilver Premium Gear Lube (80W-90 Marine Gear Oil). Do not use automotive gear oil.
- Gearcase Fill/Drain Method: Fill from the bottom drain hole until fluid exits the top vent hole to ensure no air pockets remain.
—
Notable Features & History
The 1962 model year marked the debut of the 9.8 HP Merc 110. It was designed under the visionary leadership of Carl Kiekhaefer, whose obsession with engineering excellence and performance shaped the modern outboard industry.
Key Design Innovations:
- Glide-Angle Design: The engine profile features a distinct forward slant. This design was engineered to allow the outboard to easily slide over logs, weeds, and underwater obstructions without snagging.
- Jet-Prop Exhaust (Through-Hub): Unlike competitor motors of the early 1960s that discharged exhaust above or near the propeller, the Merc 110 routed exhaust directly through the center of the propeller hub. This buried the exhaust noise underwater and improved engine efficiency.
- Full Gearshift Control: A forward-mounted gear shift lever provided true Forward-Neutral-Reverse (F-N-R) functionality, which was highly responsive compared to rival lightweights.
- Internal Silencing: The motor featured a Cowl-Stabilizer mounting system that insulated motor vibration from the boat hull, resulting in an incredibly quiet ride for its time.
Why It Remains a Classic
The Merc 110 is revered by collectors and vintage racers today because of its lightweight portability. Weighing in at only 55 pounds, it was significantly lighter than the 10 HP offerings of competitors like Evinrude and Johnson, while often outperforming them in top-end speed. If properly maintained and fed clean, ethanol-free fuel, these motors are known to start reliably on the first or second pull even after decades of storage.