8 hp merc has been sitting for a decade...

[pyros46290]

hey guys new to this board but i have already found a lot of good info before posting.

i got a '95 8hp merc outboard that was sitting for quite some time in our storage unit. my dad bought it brand new in 95 and it only got used on 5 or 6 trips before he passed away and this has just been sitting ever since. i got the fishin bug again and decided to get this thing goin.

ive never had any kind of boat before so im a little lost as to what kind of maintinence is required. heck, im not even sure if this thing is a 2 or 4 stroke. but i did pop the top cover and looked around, everything looks brand new. there is a little oily residue on the motor, not a whole lot but its not dry. im not sure if that is normal, or if it had someting to do with the thing being stored upsidown for so long? i pulled the plugs and they are pretty much brand new, fuel filter looks clean, so i think the engine is ok but i have no idea how the trans/final drive works and thats about as far as i went.

so is there anything i should do to this before i fire it up for the first time?

 

[fish56]

Re: 8 hp merc has been sitting for a decade...

Go to the forum "Engine Frequently Asked Questions" and look through the topics. One is "awakening a sleeping outboard" by Boatbouy. Very well written.

As far as an oily residue on the motor, that's normal as long as it isn't excessive. Most likely that's a 2 stroke motor. Best to post the model number here, that's on a tag attached to the motor around where the transom clamps are. Someone can verify it for you.

 

[pyros46290]

Re: 8 hp merc has been sitting for a decade...

thanks i just flipped through that. dont know if i really need to pull the prop but i guess it wouldent hurt. what kind of oil should i put in the cylinders prior to starting?

the ID on the tag says 0G174557. would be nice to know for sure if it is 2 or 4 stroke.

also, i dont have a fuel tank or line yet, and it looks like there is a special fitting required. do all small mercury outboards use the same quick connect ?

thanks again