Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

[singerjr]

Hello all, been awhile. I’ve been a member for a while but have been away.<br /><br />Need some opinions, I have a Mercury 115 HP four-stroke and it has been sitting covered outside in PA weather for 2-1/2 years (only 3-1/2 years old) and was not prepped or winterized.<br /><br />I had emergency spinal surgery (can no longer make it through a metal detector) and that had me laid up for 2 years. Now I’m up and around I have work to catch up on. I have three boats, two were prepped and winterized but I had intended to use the third more when the emergency emerged!<br /><br />·I have 40 gals of bad gas in the boat. Best way to get it out???<br /><br />·What work should I do on the Merc OB motor???<br /><br />·Anything else???<br /><br />Been boating for 30+ years and have my own opinions but my head isn’t so big that I think I know it all, because I don’t! Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated. Including any comments on other issues of concern not just the above two.<br /><br />I know you will all come through with some advice so I’ll THANK YOU now.<br /><br />John

 

[gss036]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

First thing is to get the old gas out of the tank. Either siphon or get a female connection for the motor hose and drain it out in cans. Slow but it works. Change the fuel filter and oil filter and put in fresh oil. Might want to take the spark plugs out and spray some wd-40 or light weight oil in the spark plugs holes and turn it over a few times. Maybe even start out with a new set of spark plugs and fire it up. Good Luck and pray that you are feeling much better and enjoy your boat.

 

[singerjr]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

Gary,<br /><br />Thanks for that! I had changed the oil about 2 mos. before it sat but I think your suggestions about oil and spark plugs are smart and a small price to pay for the insurance.<br /><br />Also thanks for your good wishes!!!<br /><br />John

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

I would also replace the impeller and rebuild the fuel pump.<br />welcome back

 

[singerjr]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

That's it?<br /><br />No more opinions on services I should preform?<br /><br />After I get all the gas out of the tank, lines and motor will any of the three need further cleaning or will high octane, detergant gas do it for me? <br /><br />I've never used additives except Stabil for winter but as I said I didn't get a chance before being hospitalized. Are there any good additives I should add to the next fill?<br /><br />Back to the top to be sure I have all info I need.<br /><br />Thanks to all...<br /><br />Thanks Elmer we must have been posting at the same time so I didn't see yours before I sent this.

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

use the old gas in the lawnmower, start out with fresh gas and new plugs.<br />Then there is the carbs to be cleaned,probably clogged with varnish from evaporated fuel.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

If the gas is 2 and a half years old, don't use it in the lawnmower or anything else. Dispose of it appropriately. I would suggest you use some Seafoam in the gas the first few tanks just to help clean out the tank and fuel lines. It would also probably be a good idea to change the fuel filter(s) again after just a tank or two. Also, you might want to put a small amount of 2 cycle oil into each cylinder through the spark plug holes and then turn it over by hand a few times before starting.

 

[singerjr]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

First time I've had a chance to check on this post in about week.<br /><br />Thanks for your responses!!!<br /><br />Z, I have a friend with a shop that will take the gas, I'm not really willing to put the gas in my $11 grand tractor. But I get your point it can be difficult getting rid of a barrel of gas leagally (40 + gals).<br /><br />There are many service shops that will take gas and oil, some you may have to pay because they have to pay to have a service co. dispose of it.<br /><br />Thanks again to all!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

pull the plugs and squirt some oil in the holes<br />and turn the flywheel by hand a few times. I'd<br />use reg OB oil and let it soak into the rings.<br />change L/U oil and install a new impeller.<br />mix some extra oil in a portable tank 25/1 and<br />cross yur fingers

 

[singerjr]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

Originally posted by mellowyellow:<br />...install a new impeller.<br />...mix some extra oil in a portable tank 25/1 and<br />cross yur fingers

mellowyellow,<br /><br />Its a four stroke motor, you don't want me to use premix. Won't that just foul the plugs? And more?<br /><br />I will however change the spark plugs after putting a few drops of oil in the cylinders and cranking it by hand. Thanks<br /><br />By the way one thing I forgot to mention is that before sitting I had only used the motor for 6 mos. with that, should the impeller be changed? It is a new motor.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Merc 115 OB sitting 2-1/2 years... Need Advice

yes, it will foul the plugs... my concern is<br />the rings/piston walls. prob. overkill...<br />is there such a thing as too much oil in the<br />short run?