Re: 1985 mercury black max 200hp what has to be done to prep this motor for a new sea
You didn't supply a lot of info so I don't know the storage history.
Pulling the plugs and squirting Deep Creep into the cylinders, then pop the cover over the carbs (I guess back in '85 200's were carbed) and with the throttle wide open, squirt some more down the throats while spinning the engine with the starter. A minute of this is all you need. Then put the air box cover back over the carbs.
Check the plugs before you reinstall them. They may be oily and have some burn marks on them, especially if they are surface gaps.
Look around on the pivot bracket and on pipe connecting the clamp brackets for grease zerks; could also be one on your steering cable(s). Merc has a good marine grease for these applications and an applicator.....check with your dealer while there.
If you didn't replace the lower unit oil when you put it up, or if you don't know if it was changed, change it. Go to your Merc dealer and get the special oil for that hp engine....they have different grades of LU oil. While there get a couple of sets (one spare) of blue washers used to seal the lower unit screws. Ask the clerk how you drain and refill the oil.....a lot of times the clerk is also the mechanic in smaller shops.
While at the dealership pick up some engine oil too. If you don't know what to do with it, ask them.....not familiar with the 200 and it probably has a separate oil tank located in the boat. If you let the oil get too low, the oil alarm will sound a beep - beep - beep if the key is on with the engine running or not.....add some oil.
Fresh gas with some Sea Foam per instructions on the can and go for it. 87 octane runs most anything. Some like to use premium, but I personally think 87 would be fresher since that is what most people burn so the turnover is more frequent.
Last but not least, get a service manual and it will answer a lot of questions for you and help you through some routine maintenance that you will encounter from time to time.
Well, others will have other ideas, but this will get you going.
Mark
