It depends on the model. Most of the early models are displayed on a metal plate, rivited around the tilt tube, on the front of the engine, just under the manual choke lever. Late model outboards are stamped into a plate, or printed on a label, affixed to the swivel bracket, located between the clamp, or mounting brackets, of the engine.
How old is my Kiekhaefer Mercury 7.5 boat motor Serial number 3374590
1977
Mercury 3.9 HP. Single Serial Number 1657514
Unfortunately to find out the year of a Mercury boat motor one needs not only the serial number, but also the horse power rating. This allows it to be narrowed down to a specific year.
In order to determine the year model of a Mercury outboard, both the serial number, and the horsepower rating, must be known.
A 9.8 hp Mercury outboard, serial number 3089762, would be an 1971 year model.
A 65 hp Mercury outboard, serial number 3076063, would be a 1971 year model.
The serial number posted, appears to be a Mercury number. In order to answer your question, the horsepower of the engine is needed also.
my serial # is 81885 on a Silverline boat.
Two items are required to determine the year model of a Mercury outboard, the serial number and the horsepower rating.
It depends on the year, but for the most part you will find them on the Starboard side of the engine on the transom bracket (where it connects to the boat.)
Before 1980, you use the first four numbers of the Evinrude boat motor serial number to determine the year it was made. Motor serial numbers beginning with 5402 were made in 1964.