1975 Mercury 500 issues found

[oba97]

During winterizing the motor I came a cross a few issues (first time ever winterizing a outboard). I have done some research and think I have found some answers but would like to get some feedback on my path forward. Having never done this before any input would be great.

1. When I was fogging the carbs they died right away. I expected that they would sputter a little then die......is this normal to die so quickly?
2. I noticed water coming out from about all 4 of my spark plugs. From what I have read it is probably a leak in the water jacket gasket? I did change my water pump impeller at the beginning of the season. I have read that a new impeller can cause more pressure eventually causing a leak? Assuming I am right I plan on changing the gasket over winter.
3. I noticed some dark black oily material leaking out from the hub area of my impeller. I think this is caused by incomplete combustion during fogging?
4. I definitely had water in my lower unit oil as it was milky when I drained it. I changed the oil mid season and there were no issues at that time. I did not use a new o rings when reinstalling the drain and vent screws. I am going to refill, install new o rings and recheck the oil after my first outing next spring just in case the water intrusion was from reusing the old o rings.

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GA_Boater]

#1 - Too heavy a fog will choke the motor quickly. A faster idle using the warm up lever or neutral only button is needed.

#2 - Change the cylinder block cover gasket. Make sure the cover is flat and use care removing the bolts especially if you use the motor in salt water.

#3 - Normal for 2 strokes to to drip some because the fogging oil isn't burned completely. You may have some even during normal 50:1 fuel pre-mix use.

#4 - Use new vent and drain screw gaskets. Even good looking old one can allow water to seep past and contaminate the lower unit lube.

One other thing for winter storage in sub-freezing temps in an unheated space is to tilt the motor to a vertical position. A tilted up motor can collect water in the thru prop exhaust and freeze. The expanding ice can break the lower unit housing.


You on the right track prepping for storage, oba.

 

[oba97]

GA, thanks for the reply. I'm glad to hear 'Im on the right track!