I got a free motor, now what?

[thunnus69]

The motor came from a friend who knows nothing about motors and insisted that it had siezed up. Anyways, it mine and I followed some of the links here about resurecting a motor. The motor is a 1986 Merc. 50 hp elpto and doesn't seem (cosmetically) to have been beaten up. I pressure checked each cylinder: top reads 90psi and bottom two read 120psi each. Obviously it isn't seized but there's a problem. Is it worth my taking it to a marine shop and pay to get it running or save the money to buy something comparable that already runs. Any idea what it would cost to get running? Lower unit turns and I'm hoping there's not a major overhaul in this motor's future which would cost me more than a running motor. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I got a free motor, now what?

You said - "theres obviously a problem"! Yes, compression is down a bit on one cylinder but other than that, what's the problem? Have you even tried to start it? (On muffs of course). Low compression on one cylinder may be as simple to fix as doing a decarbonization (removes carbon and frees rings that may be stuck due to carbon build up). What did the plugs look like when you pulled them? You see -- you are burying the patient before you've determined its actually dead. We can't see your motor or begin to tell you what the cost to repair is since you haven't determined what the problem(s) are. It may cost you little to nothing to get it running. It certainly doesn't cost anything to inspect a few things. Like checking to see if there is any oil in the lower unit. Lack of which may have caused the lower unit to seize which would stall the engine. Just because you can turn the prop in neutral, does not mean the drive shaft bearings haven't locked up.

 

[DJ]

Re: I got a free motor, now what?

There is NO such thing as "free" outboard, as you are finding.

DO NOT, DO NOT use starting fluid to get it to fire. Starting fluid has no lubrication qualities and will score a cylinder, in a heartbeat. Use a spray bottle with pre-mix fuel.

Since you already have a low one, why add to it?

I'm not that familar with that engine but I'm thinkig it is a 2-stroke three cylinder.

If it were me, I'd pull the cylinder head and closely inspect the low psi. hole. If the cylinder is scored, you're looking at a rebuild.

If not, you may free a stuck ring.

I do it this way.

1. Tilt the engine all the way up.

2. Spray "PB Blaster" (Auto parts stores, etc.) through the plug hole (or better yet, you have the head off) on the head of that piston. Do this with the piston just shy of Top Dead Center (TDC). Let it soak down.

3. Forget it for a week and retest.

At most, you'll have a head gasket invested and some PB Blaster.

 

[mnydvr]

Re: I got a free motor, now what?

okay,so don't use starting fluid,but I would not go through all of that just to hear a motor run that I got for free and was thinking about sending in or tossing out?Just try to get it to run and go with your own discretion,if you got fuel,spark and compression then its up to you how far you wanna go,its free so what are you losing,start tearing it down and your spending money,on a free motor its probably good money after bad,I was looking at it as a learning experience,and a small shot of ether is not going to detonate the motor,if it did we would all be replacing our o/b's every season!

 

[James R]

Re: I got a free motor, now what?

MNYDVR. I rarely do this and I can be wrong but I have read several of your posts and I dont think you are well enough informed to offer advice on this forum.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: I got a free motor, now what?

I would try to start it. A compression test on a cold motor really wont tell you much. If it turns out to be a bad motor(i dont think it is) then I would keep it for a parts motor or if your new to outboards just use it as a template to get more comfortable breaking down the motors.

 

[mnydvr]

Re: I got a free motor, now what?

James,
exactly what posts do you refer to,I do not need to explain my back ground .My posts are based on experience and knowledge as well as training,you will also take note that in almost every post I advise to refer to a manuel ,this post is a perfect example,he wanted to know if it was worth fixing,in my opinion if it was not froze up and he basically wanted to get it running,I am wrong for telling him not to be affraid and to buy a manuel and go for it,as far as using starting fluid,yes,I do as do many others,when used PROPERLY it does not create a problem,however when overly used or improperly used ,yes,there is no doubt it can cause serious damage.so forgive me if I do not walk in the same path as you.You seemed to be able to judge me ,My years may not be as thorough as yours or as extensive,but does that give you the right to tell me wether I should post my ideas or answers?I think not.So will I post,yes and you can take my suggestions or not,just as I would take yours or not,I say nothing about your posts whether I agree or not on your background , the relevants of your answers are for me to decide,not for anyone to decide for me or to make judgement,I do not see what you think makes you any or so much better than me or anyone else,so I will go.Have a great holiday and boat safe!!

 

[Mac uk]

Re: I got a free motor, now what?

Thunnus69
You've started something if not your outboard.

Lads CHILL, its iboats forum, not the UN.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: I got a free motor, now what?

Chill OUT or you both will get in trouble with the mods.

 

[DutchMerc]

Re: I got a free motor, now what?

You need to get this motor started first to know it vallue. When you are able to get it running, you can see how good (or how bad) it is. To get it running, you need only three things: fuel , spark and persevere....

As i always say;
habbit is what gets you startet, motivation is what keeps you going...