Long-Stored Engines---which to choose to consider 'awakening'

[wgaboy]

Have a 1988 evinrude 50 vro on 15' Fisher rhat has sat up approx 14 years
and a 1976 johnson 16' trihull has sat up approx 16 years, (one rebuild .1983)
very reliable engines when using, fewest hours on 50.
doubt either was fogged or otherwise fully prepped for last storage
looked over some of FAQ's earlier under "awakening"
before i get a mobile repair guy to check out, need some SIMPLE
starting points in deciding which to lean toward rejuvenating one
considering....
if all else below are about equal, which engine would likely be better to
turn over to OB mechanic?
each are mounted on respective boats/trailer
My total experience has been limited to winterizing,
changing lower lube, grease, checking plugs, trailer incidentals, etc
I would hope to:
1/ check exterior, visuals, plugs, air intake, linkage
2/check lower unit, lube cond, prop sealing, corrosion, ..
3/ any simple, flywheel, starter, electtrical, wiring visual,
4/ any other simple recommended from faq list

Then bring in mobile OB mechanic to check out
and help me decide which one to 'awaken'
or the no repair option !
If they appear needing major rebuild, (out of question)
trade/sell as is.
this do nothing alternative is just keeping smaller 15 ft aluminum
for pond fishing & duck hunting.
and part with ( LOL) the 2 engines.
tnx for any and all help
wgaboy

 

[Solittle]

Re: Long-Stored Engines---which to choose to consider 'awakening'

Sitting for 14 or 16 years would not be the deciding factor. You can do the simple tests yourself with out an OB mechanic. Start by pulling the plugs, squirting some Marvel Mystery oil or WD-40 in both cylinders and see if the engine turns over. If frozen - maybe sell for parts unless you want to really get into it and rebuild. If either engine or both turn over do a compression check and post the results here.

 

[boobie]

Re: Long-Stored Engines---which to choose to consider 'awakening'

I'd look into both of them as you may get a surprise. You don't know what's wrong with them until you check 'em out.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Long-Stored Engines---which to choose to consider 'awakening'

Nothing wears out when an engine just sits un-used. Sure there can be corrosion and rust issues but that doesn't seem to happen too much. I had an 80 HP Merc given to me after sitting outside on a boat for well over 20 years. Took little or nothing out of the ordinary to get it running.

Why do you need to choose one? Even if you can only use one at a time.....if you end up selling the other one it would bring a good price only if you can demonstrate that it runs well.

Sounds like fun; if I lived near you I'd volunteer my help.

Chuck

 

[hotrod53]

Re: Long-Stored Engines---which to choose to consider 'awakening'

Actually, something does wear out when sitting, your rubber impeller. After that amount of time, watch your water pee stream closely when you try and wake it up. Once you decide that it is a worth while wakening, change the impeller .. no question! If it's not bad that day, it will be, they dry out or get cracked from rot. You can trash your engine right quick if you have no water flow.

Suggestion 2, remove and clean the carbs. Old fuel leaves a powder residue that can clog a jet.

Suggestion 3: replace your carb needles, 20 years ago, no one ever thought that there would be Ethanol in fuel. Your needles are not Ethanol compliant and the rubber tip will swell and stick in the seat in as little as a few days... ask me how I know...