Help with merc 90 hp year please.

[Dedge]

Hey All, I was wondering if someone could help me with a year question. The only problem is that I am not sure if I have the serial number or not. The last owner took the plate off to paint it and then lost it. I found these numbers right under the carbs so if anyone can help I would appreciate it greatly. 971-8433

The cowling is black and the motor is a merc inline six 90 horse. It says mercury on the sides of the motor and there is blue pin striping running all around where it says mercury.

If these aren't the serial number I woulp appreciate any other suggestions in how I could obtain the year.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[k8vol]

your coloring says 1973,74 there is a ser # on the motor block where the motor bolts to the upper lower unit half. it's stamped not casted that will give you the ability to look up the year . hope that helps steve k8vol

[Dedge]

OK here are some pics. I will look for that s/n tonight, and see what I can find. But we scoured that thing looking for one about a month ago. I am beginning to question if that motor has the wrong cowling on it. The cowling looks older, but when I look at the pics in the manual of the older mercs they look nothing like this. Hope this will help.

Cowling:
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/PICT0015.jpg

Port Side:
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/PICT0019.jpg

Starboard Side:
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/PICT0022.jpg

As always any help is appreciated.
Dan

[TONGA]

the number you seek is probably hidding behind your electronics. but she looks very 70's to me

[Dedge]

K8vol, OK now I am thinking that this motor might be a 115 hp. I found these numbers stamped right below the throttle linkage, 21125-8706, and I found someone else looking online for a year of his 115 hp mercury that had those same numbers as well as the numbers that I mentioned in the original post. Any more info from these numbers or any other way that I can find out the year on this beast would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan