If you’ve looked at the “Contact Us” section of the Mercury Web site lately, you may have noticed a link to the Classic Mercury Hotline, a new service launched by Mercury last week. If you click on the link, you’ll see a lengthy disclaimer and a notification that a phone call to the hotline comes with a $10 charge. So what will you get for your money?

The Classic Mercury Hotline is staffed by four certified Mercury technicians with more than 135 years of combined experience with Mercury outboards! One of the technicians was a Mercury Technical Account Manager (TAM) who covered a territory for Mercury and traveled from dealer to dealer, assisting with diagnoses and engine repairs. Another technician worked as an engineer for Mercury before becoming a dealer technical service agent. A third technician has an extensive background with Force Outboards as well as the manufacturing side of Mercury outboards, and the fourth technician worked in engineering with Mercury’s High Performance Division and is a prominent figure in the American Powerboat Association. So it’s safe to say that if you dial the number, you’ll be in good hands.

Why the need for a Classic Mercury Hotline? Believe it or not, there are many Mercury engines in the field from the 1940’s through the 1970’s that are still alive and kicking. Some people collect them, while others still use them as their main fishing or pleasure boating engine. Because of new technology and dealer training practices, some people may find it hard to get assistance on such an aged product.. When older technicians retire or get out of the business, they’re usually replaced by technicians who are trained in today’s engines like OptiMax, Verado and FourStrokes. Dealers simply don’t have the time or money to train new technicians on classic products like the Mark series. With dealer labor rates climbing, many engine owners prefer to perform standard maintenance work and other minor fixes themselves. Along with service manuals, Mercury can now provide expert advice and knowledge on a 40-year (1939-1979) span of engines.

Is the Classic Mercury Hotline a cure-all for your classic Mercury engine? We always advise that you have necessary service manuals and shop tools at your side before taking on any repair endeavor. While the technicians on the hotline cannot physically repair your engine over the phone, their expertise and insight will assist in the final outcome, while keeping professionalism and safety at the forefront. Do you own a classic Mercury? Then why not get information directly from the manufacturer that designed and built it?

Visit the Classic Mercury Hotline’s Web site at http://www.mercurymarine.com/serviceandwarranty/classichotline.php or call 920-929-5200.