Is it safe???

[snowstud98@hotmail.com]

I just inherited a 1975 mercury 500 50 hp. It was sitting over 20 years before i replaced the fuel pump,plugs,water pump and ignition wires. The engine started yesterday and ran fairly good. Is there anything else i should do before i take it out on monday?????? What is the life expectancy of the engine??? thanks Erik

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Is it safe???

Other than making sure the compression is good, checking the timing, and making sure all cylinders are getting adequate fuel/spark.... sounds like you have covered the bases.<br /><br />Did you change the gear oil?<br /><br />Make sure the tell-tale water stream is strong before going out.<br /><br />As for life expectancy, there is too many variables to specify what that would or could be. Like any mechanical device the wear and probability for component failure is a factor of the way in which it has been operated and maintained. The 'classic' 4 cylinder 50hp motors are known for being a reliable motor.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Is it safe???

Did you disassemble and clean the carbs? Any cylinder running lean due to a clogged jet will shorten its life a bunch....

 

[timmathis]

Re: Is it safe???

You could pull the distributor cap and make sure it is clean and check rotor and carbon brush. <br />I would just take it easy the first time out and see how it does. You can also pull the plugs and see what they tell you if anything after first day running.<br />Good Luck you may get many years out of it!<br />(Hope so) Have fun, Tim