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    Spark plugs

    No air filter on OBs. those plugs will last a real long time. I replace them when the shells rust, although the business end of the spark plugs would last for decades. I will be shocked if they are d/c w/o a replacement, as they were std for millions of motors.
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    Milky Oily Substance

    It looks like 2 cycle exhaust. Pretty normal. if the motor runs w/o a overheat and at full power, you are good to go.
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    Steering with out pump

    Give it a try. On a 20 footer, you should not have too much steering resistance. Adjust the torque tab to help the steering move easier. trim the motor and see how the steering effort changes. Can't you pull the steering ram and rebuild it with the boat in the water? My neighbor's 30 footer...
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    Spark plugs

    Champion L76V or L78V was the original surface gap plug for 70's Mercs. Merc went to NGK plugs in the 80s or so, replacing the Champions. If memory serves me, L76V was replaced by BUHW and L78V was replaced by BUHW-2. I am surprised you cannot find them. I would think the L78V or L76V...
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    At my wits end again….

    Gee, not sure what to say. 1. Those exhaust ports just under the powerhead are for idle relief. It is normal for water to come out of them, when motor is in neutral, in the water. I doubt that is an issue, 2. Revving an old motor up not under load, exposes any piston slap or bearing play...
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    Overheating at idle, cool as a cucumber at speed

    I would replace the thermostat as well as the impeller, wearplate and 2 gaskets. Check the inside of the pump "cup" for wear and scratches. Replace if you find some. The thermostat controls temp at idle up to about 2000RPM. After that the poppit controls the motor temp. Since she runs cool...
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    Merc 850 / model #4093045

    Those were great motors in their day. Light, powerful and compact. If it shows signs of being used in saltwater, you may want to get rid of it. After all this time the salt rots out the exhaust baffle and exhaust covers, and actually makes the aluminum block real brittle. If it were me and a...
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    1996 Johnson gearcase

    Gee, what could be easier than installing a new SEI gearcase? You need to reuse the upper driveshaft from the old gearcase, but that is easy. At least check out the prices of the SEI product, as they are usually just a bit higher than some unknown quality used gearcase.
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    Test for bad motor mount?

    Most 70s and newer OBs have motor mounts on top and on the bottom of the steering swivel rod. These connect the powerhead and midsection to the swivel rod. Give the motor a push/pull at those points and see how much play the mounts have. Unless you hit something real hard, the motor mounts...
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    What is it

    I will assume a VOP is the VRO system. Even if you remove the VRO, a fuel restriction alarm is a real good idea. V4 engines do not have it, but OMC thought it necessary for V6 engines.
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    Wiring a water temp gauge.

    Does temp alarm go off at idle speed or at cruise speed? If idle speed overheat, check bottom of impeller for chipping, check/replace thermostat or look for bad water pump housing seals. If overheat is at cruise, poppit valve could be bad. If that doesn't fix it, there could be some sort of...
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    Steering cable maintenance

    Older steering cables had a zerk fitting next to the big nut on the tilt tube. I haven't seen that recently, likely because you could pump grease into the zerk and bind up the steering cable. The only maintenance required is to extend the steering rod to the max, wipe off the old grease (use...
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    Will gauge lighting work off SPDT switch?

    You can wire the gauge lights to the navigation lights, as well. Why use another switch for the same function?
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    Wiring a water temp gauge.

    A couple of things. Your motor very likely has an overheat alarm, that is wired to a buzzer in the remote control. The tan/white wire could be for the temp gauge, as those are "pulled out" of the control along with wires for the tach, trim gauge and instrument lights, plus ground. I do not...
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    1981 Mercury 75hp water pump question

    I am not sure what you are asking. The water pump base has an oring, plus a base gasket. On top of the water pump is a gasket, wear plate and another gasket, then the pump cover. A water pump kit comes with lots of gaskets and orings. Pick out the ones that fit the groove in the pump base...
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    What is it

    You can replace it for $160. I would look aftermarket for a better price. https://www.crowleymarine.com/evinrude/products/0586544-vacuum-switch
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    Aluminum vs. plastic fuel tanks

    Gee, I have a 63 Gal plastic tank. It is 27 years old and still works fine.
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    Steering cable help

    I could not get your file to play. Are you saying the tilt tube is spinning when you try to disconnect the steering cable nut? You can hold the tilt tube from spinning with a jam nut on the port side or a pipe wrench on the tilt tube. Of course, a pipe wrench will tear up the threads, such...
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    Will gauge lighting work off SPDT switch?

    Common Navigation lights are wired so you can turn on just the anchor (or stern light) when at anchor at night, or when underway, turn on the bow and stern lights. I am not sure how to wire a SPDT switch to do that without a diode. A DPDT switch would work.
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    Outboard to work on minimum throttle

    His question was too vague for your answer, however, you did give an answer, so that is something. You told him to pick any small 4 cycle OB motor. It might even work. of course, if you prop it correctly, it has a better chance. A trolling plate will reduce the trolling speed, as will...
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