You could have clogged water intake ports, or have a clog in the water jacket. It could also be a stuck thermostat, though highly unlikely. If the motor does not "spit" or "pee" water, it's pretty safe to say that a broken water pump impeller, located in the lower unit, is the culprit.
475 pounds
The plug gap for a 9.9hp Mercury outboard, ( all models ), is .035 - .040in.
The dry weight for a 1997 model, 40 hp Mercury outboard, is listed at 177 lbs.
.040
The serial / model number sticker on a 1997 model, 25 hp Mercury outboard is located on the starboard, (right) side of the swivel bracket.
The fuel / oil ratio for the 1997 model, 25 hp. Mercury outboard, would be 50:1, this is roughly one pint of 2 cycle oil, to six gallons of fuel.
The 1997 model Mercury, 225 hp EFI uses a NGK BR8HS plug, gapped to .035 in.
50 to 1
im pretty sure its 50:1 but i would call a local mercury dealer just to make sure
50:1. 16 ounces oil to 6 gallons gas
Brand: NGK Plug No. BP8H-N-10 gapped at 1.0mm (0.029")
Scott Johnson has written: 'Clymer Mercury/Mariner Outboard Shop Manual: 75-275 Hp 1994-1997' 'Man to Man When Your Partner Says No' 'The Believer's Way' 'The Caveman Who Lost His Spear ... When They \\' 'Mercury/Mariner: Outboard Shop Manual : 2.5-60 Hp'