I need the type and info on my Mercury Classic 50 outboard motor

Serial number is what you need and try looking on the starter or the switch box ( square box with lots of wires on as they have dates on also ) take pictures of engine in and outside as if decals are original it will date it as well ! take to or email your nearest dealer with all info and they date your engine no problem !

What you have is probably a 1986-89 Mercury 45 HP Classic 50 Outboard Motor. It is a 4 cylinder in-line, has a long (20 inch) shaft and black in color. One coil per cylinder, dual carburetors. I don't know from the serial number whether it's an 88 or not but would believe so. Hope this helps some. (Note, they changed the horsepower on these from 50 to 45 in mid 1986 as they started using prop horsepower rather than output at the crankshaft) There was also a 2 cylinder 50 but that was NOT the Classic 50. These 4 cylinder motors were great performers and very much like the early Thunderbolts that made Mercury famous. Good Luck.