bringing motor to life

macstang99

Cadet
Joined
Aug 9, 2006
Messages
16
ive had my motor in the shop for 2 weeks now and they still are stumped. they have an idea but are not positive. its gonna cost some big bucks to maybe get it running. its a 1970 merc 800. so i was just looking in the paper today and found a 100hp mercury,not sure what year possibly late 70,
low hours, but has not been started in 10 years. it has been stored in a garage the whole time. the owner wants 350 for it without controls, does anyone know if sitting unused for 10 years does any big damage? and is 350 a good price?
 

jtexas

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 13, 2003
Messages
8,646
Re: bringing motor to life

I don't know how you rule out internal rust without a complete tear-down. $350 might be fair for a late-70's running engine with good compression, following a satisfactory lake-test. You already know it'll need carbs, waterpump, fuel pump rebuilds...spark plugs, wires, who knows what all...wiring harness...what else?...a bunch of hundred dollars just to see if it'll run. Sounds like a fun project I'd love to take it on but...

Disclaimer: I'm no expert...

bummer about your motor, though, good luck...
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,065
Re: bringing motor to life

Have you read the post in the engine FAQ? titled Awakening a sleeping outboard; by BoatBuoy

That is a good thing to read. If I were in you position and had the cash I would go for it.
 

macstang99

Cadet
Joined
Aug 9, 2006
Messages
16
Re: bringing motor to life

well i just got back from inspecting the motor, it is very clean looking, prop looks good, it is missing the engine cover, not the top piece but the piece in between the lower unit and the top hood. he intially wanted 350 but i talked him down to 225, sounds like a good price to me, but can you get an engine cover, and also Id need a new throttle, wiring harness, and the cost of awakening it, anyone know how much im looking at, and also the one thing that was my concern too is the age, it older than my 70 merc 800, the serial # is 1670434 thats from the 60's isnt it?
 
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