HELP!!! I bought a boat and motor this weekend. The guy told me it
had a 1993 Mercury 25 HP motor. The Arkansa paper work doesnt show a
SN. The motor has been painted and I can't find the serial number
where websites say to look.on the swivel housing? Is it a sticker
that may have come off or is it stamped in? I did get the part number
off the starter 50-90983A1 and looked it up. This starter seems to
have been used on several different HP motors but the year models look
to be early 80's, not 90's

Is there another place anywhere on the motor to look for a SN? I'm
frustrated because all the websites say you must have a SN to order
parts.

Also, I don't know how I am going to register it with Texas Parks and
Wildlife without a legible serial number?

I have had only a few moments to look the motor over, but it fired
right up even though the gas in the tank was well over a year old.
Once I put plugs and wires on and clean the carbs I think it will be an
ok motor, but I'm kinda miffed about maybe being lied to about the year
model.

Also what should a compression gage read on this 25 hp motor?

Thanks for reading and double thanks if anyone can help. If I posted
some pics would it help narrow it down?