Getting close to firing the engine.

[DeepCMark58A]

So I have the 1959 Mark 400 on the rack, I just installed the starter that needed replacement it had melted down. I picked this motor up last fall from a guy who had it restored and then it sat in storage for 10 years. It is clean except the fried starter and a few wires that got hot when the starter melted down, I plan on replacing the wires that need replacing. The motor is free but I am curious as to what if any pretreatment of the cylinders should I do before I turn the key?

 

[flyingscott]

Replace the spark plugs and spray the cylinders with fogging oil liberally. When it fires up spray some fogging oil in through the carbs to get the crank bearings lubed. Mix the first gallon of gas at 16-1 it;s all about getting things lubed up.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Well it started and ran and it is a thing of beauty very happy that it went well. Now I just need to find a new key, the one that came with the controls was bent when I tried to straighten the key it broke. Found a new one and ordered a spare.

 

[racerone]

Since motor does not have overheat protection a new impeller would be a good investment.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I think I could install overheat protection a lot easier than replacing the water pump.

 

[racerone]

Perhaps you are not aware of how easy it is or how important it is to maintain the water pump.---Good luck with the motor.

 

[flyingscott]

I think I could install overheat protection a lot easier than replacing the water pump.

Absolutely not replace the waterpump . The only overheat protection you have is is the waterpump anything else will tell you when it's overheating. The waterpump is made out of rubber and it goes bad when sitting, Your call

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Actually I can make a conductivity sensor that can tell me if there is flow, 12 volt relay and two pins I will know there is water flow.

 

[flyingscott]

Your motor your call good luck with it

 

[Texas Prowler]

Just so you understand how important it is... The water pump impeller deteriorates in small chunks that make their way into the powerhead. They will lodge themselves into a place not easy to access if any at all. The guys here are telling you by experience.... That's not something you want to experience. If you can install a starter a water pump is a piece of cake and cost $10...

 

[DeepCMark58A]

It is only december I have plenty of time to pull the pump and will. I am going to look into the conductivity sensor, it would make 2 small diameter pins in the water stream, a 12 volt relay and a dash light to tell you if you have water flow. I have a relay that is about the size of the electric choke module.

 

[Texas Prowler]

I understand you feel confident in your conductivity theory, so I will leave it at this...
You can have a bad water pump and still have flow. It won't be sufficient amount of flow to transfer the engines heat properly as designed. The outside ambient has little to do when it comes down to an old pump. Good luck....

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I had posted that I would be replacing the pump.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Before I tear into replacing the water pump I need to get a manual. I currently have the Mark 400 45hp and a mark 75a both are 1959 models is there one manual (i prefer a book over download) Is there a recommended source for manuals?

 

[racerone]

The mark / merc 400 is very likely the manual that gives you the information that you need.---These motors are remarkably similar from year to year.-----For the 59 model year I do not see a MARK 400 listed.--So provide pictures and a serial # to identify what you have.---Might as well compare apples to apples !

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Good point I have never looked at the serial number to see exactly what I do have.

 

[racerone]

And I have a half dozen or more of these " cloud white " motors.--Stuff is so easy to work on with very little electronic stuff to go wrong !

 

[DeepCMark58A]

So is there a good source that is recommended to search by serial number I tried various sites they all tell me it does not exist.

 

[racerone]

Just post your serial # here.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

the Model number is a 400 S the serial number is 1387253