Inherited early 60s Mercury Six (70hp)

[eci]

So I was given a boat with an early 60s (best I can tell) 70 hp Mercury Six outboard. It's been dry for six years or so, based on the boat registration. Supposedly it ran fine back then.

Is there a good way to determine if this thing runs, or do I need to bring it to a mechanic? It's been 25 years since I've done any outboard maintenance, so calling my knowledge there rusty is awfully generous.

 

[racerone]

It may not be easy to find a shop that will work on that model.

 

[eci]

There's a semi-retired guy around here who said he'd take a look at it, but I don't know how in-depth that look will go. As you noted, it's a pretty old motor, and I live in a very rural corner on the dry side of Washington State. Not a lot of shops here to begin with.