Merc-O-Tronic model 98/98A magneto testers from long ago

[Smitty]

(I posted this several days ago on BRF, figuring more of the old guys who might still have this gear would see it there, but as yet have got no response)

I've picked up a couple of these units (#21357 and #47716) (both say model 98 but are not identical) and hope to get both back to usable condition. The antique radio restorers generally start by renewing the power cord, and "re-capping", which is replacing all of the electrolytic, paper, and molded paper capacitors as a matter of course, don't even bother testing them first (mica and ceramic capacitors, by contrast, tend to be very reliable). And of course, blow out the dust, clean all contacts, and make a visual inspection before ever plugging in and turning on the unit for troubleshooting. I'll do this, but if one of you happens to have a wiring diagram or schematic that you'd be willing to photocopy for me, please send me a PM.

(EDIT) FWIW, the February 1958 issue of Boat Sport magazine ran a several page article on the then new Merc-O-Tronic. The collection of Boat Sport and Speed and Spray issues from the Fifties is fun reading.

http://boatsport.org/BSV65/p26.jpg

[1100-one]

Smitty- The only ones I have seen that had these were Rich Fushlin, and Lloyd,Mize.. I couldn't tell how to get a hold of Lloyd but Rich might know

[Smitty]

I think there are a lot of these units still around, though probably not working. Any Mercury dealer in the Fifties through at least the Seventies would have had one. But very few would have had a schematic. What's left of the original Merc-O-Tronic might still be doing repairs/overhaul/re-calibration of old units, but as yet they have not responded to my inquiries, a problem others on the internet have reported. So I'll have a go at it myself. I still have some old junk from outboards to chainsaws to garden tractors that have magneto ignitions that could be checked out with a good Mercotronic.

[1100-one]

That and Rich don't do HR or BRF. You are right that there are plenty around though

[Smitty]

Thanks for your interest and response. Have you looked through the collection of Boat Sport issues I referred to (see EDIT above)?

[1100-one]

No Smitty I have not visited any of those sites. I got away from running Mod years ago and went to running 500 and 1100r until I got out. Still have a mod tower and also a Lon Stevens tower for a 44 though that's built for an overdrive. But that project stopped.

[Bob Rusnak]

I gave one to Dave Young on long Island. I believe it all works as he did a few mag's for me several years back. I know he still has it.

[trident]

I have a Model 98 with the owners manual, but no schematic. Sorry.

Its been a great tester for the old Mag stuff.

Jerry

[ricochet112]

I have a working 98, ser 30473 that I'd sell, inc manual

[krazy karl]

There are some guys over on John's Old Mercury Site that have refurbished these and still use them.

[dwhitford]

Mine stopped working during many years of storage ... was working fine when it went into storage. I sent it for repair to Merc-O-Tronic in Michigan 2 years ago. They sat on it for 2 months. I asked for it back, and they sent it, telling me that they have just one old part-time guy who works on 'em, and he'd been out sick.

Try Frank Erion -- 269-720-1337. As I recall Frank has working ones that he'll swap out and then have a guy repair your old one for his stock --- not cheap, however!

[Smitty]

Thank you all for the comments and tips. I'll see how well things go in doing it myself with the advice of the antique radio crowd on peremptorily replacing certain components, then testing certain others. There are new substitutes for most of these items, though I'm a little worried about the vibrators. Anyway, I intend to do much of the R & R before I ever turn either machine on, in the interest of not frying anything. I sidetracked this project for the moment by doing a similar restoration on a couple simpler devices (an early post-war Japanese power-supply in a wooden case, and my first old Sears auto ignition analyzer from the late Fifties), having got interested in the whole thing by surfing the antique radio sites. A cheap, interesting hobby for an old man.

[MITCH MEYER]

I have a Model 98 still in good working order, great for working on my Merc collection. McMaster-Carr offers an alkaline battery 7.5volts that fits nicely in the battery compartment and is less money than the standard battery the factory recommends. Used mine on a 700DR Merc a couple months ago.

[1100-one]

Mitch - I didn't know you were a mercury guy lol. I know you were a Yamato guru. I think I will have to have a vegetarian pizza over this info.

[fastjohn]

Try the AOMCI website.