1986 15hp Merc from Ebay

[kaboominator]

Hi there, I am new to these forums but am quite amazed at all the info available. I just recently purchased a new 15hp mercury outboard from ebay. I am wondering if anyone can giv me some tips on what preventitve maintenance is houdl perform on the motor before i take it out on the water for the first time. I have no idea of prior maintenance but i would like to tweak this baby up and keep her running for a long time. Also I have no manual and was wondering if i should be running a 50:1 fula ratio? I do notice that the tiller arm is quite loose and the throttle seems to have alot of play in it. I would like to fix this. Any pointers or info would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

 

[fishingdan]

Re: 1986 15hp Merc from Ebay

Buy a manual. It is money well spent.

I would definitely change the lower-unit oil. I would then run it and see how she goes. From there, you can determine next steps.

I would plan on changing the waterpump too, but I would run it first and see how it pumps water.

 

[danpemby]

Re: 1986 15hp Merc from Ebay

If nothing else the lower-unit oil and the impeller.

 

[kaboominator]

Re: 1986 15hp Merc from Ebay

Hey thanks for the info guys! I took it out on the water tonight and she was running very smooth. It pumped water great! The only think i can find that may need some attention is the throttle/gear assembly. It goes into gear awful hard and it seems that there is alot of play in the throttle. Revs really high before if snaps into gear. Not sure what i should do here. maybe replace the cable? i'll take apart the tiller arm assembly and see what i can fix up. Any more pointers are greatly appreciated. Thank you