'77... 9.9 coming back from the dead, what do I need to worry about..ethanol? Lead?

[Suzi55Jet]

This old motor is coming together. Carb is rebuilt, new fuel pump and water pump, new prop. Cleaned up and lubed. It hasn't run in 15 years. but it was running when it was stored, so says the old owner. The engine shows no sign of binding. All the rubber fuel lines are being replaced with new.

What will I have to do (if anything) with the new ethanol fuels?? Will this stuff kill the engine? Will it be tough to find 100% dino fuel? Honestly, I haven't been paying attention at the pump. My '81 Suzuki seems to run fins on just about anything.

Was fuel still leaded in 1977 (I don't remember much from the 70's). Is this an issue (not my memory but the lead)?

 

[Daviet]

Re: '77... 9.9 coming back from the dead, what do I need to worry about..ethanol? Lea

Gas it up and go, You might want to replace the fuel lines and use ethanol resistant fuel lines. I don't think you have to worry about gas with ethanol in it.

 

[Rick.]

Re: '77... 9.9 coming back from the dead, what do I need to worry about..ethanol? Lea

I've been using Marine Stabil and experienced no problems. unleaded fuel is fine. Best of luck and congratulations. It is always nice to hear of an engine being brought back from the dead. Rick.

 

[Suzi55Jet]

Re: '77... 9.9 coming back from the dead, what do I need to worry about..ethanol? Lea

Thank you so much. I love tinkering with these things but I'd hate to put in the work only to blow up the motor. I'm feeling a little better now.

 

[Monte1961]

Re: '77... 9.9 coming back from the dead, what do I need to worry about..ethanol? Lea

No worries, thats what were here for. I would do all the above and maybe a little more for a motor thats been sitting that long. Guess thats just me, better to find problems at home than on the middle of the lake. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[Suzi55Jet]

Re: '77... 9.9 coming back from the dead, what do I need to worry about..ethanol? Lea

I would do all the above and maybe a little more for a motor thats been sitting that long. Guess thats just me,.

Would you expound on that please??

Here's where I'm at.

New plugs
New Fuel Lines
New fuel pump
New water pump
Everything external on the power head has been removed, cleaned, lubed and re-installed.
Carb cleaned and rebuilt
I have a new T-stat and gasket and will put it in If I need it.
New prop
New oil in the lower unit.

I haven't opened the head, looked in the power head, seen the reed valves etc.

 

[Rick.]

Re: '77... 9.9 coming back from the dead, what do I need to worry about..ethanol? Lea

You're only missing one important item that I can see. Three coats of wax. LOL. Relax, I think your being very thorough. I would have replaced the plug wires and boots but that's only if they looked aged/cracked. Rick.

 

[iwombat]

Re: '77... 9.9 coming back from the dead, what do I need to worry about..ethanol? Lea

Those old coils are another weak point. They're probably toast or close to it. Coils will come with new plug wires too.
You might want to consider going down a prop pitch with the ethanol fuel. With ethanol you should target a 5.5k rpm or better at WOT to prevent coking up the rings.

I'm currently bringing back a '78 basket case myself. Let me know if you need any help.