Mercruiser 140

[Ncguy88]

Hey guys I’m new to the forums and to the boating community, I just done some trading on a 1985 chaparral 185xl with a mercruiser 140. Previous owner said it needed a starter which I found the starter is good but it needs a starter slave solenoid which I just bought. My question is I noticed when putting the starter back in that the previous owner pulled out that there was some rust/ water residue inside the bell housing and on the flywheel. I’m thinking it may be the core plug on the back of the engine but before I go tearing into it I want to be sure the engine actually runs and and the stern drive is operable. What is the best way to test all of this without risk of damaging anything. I’m a diesel mechanic by trade so I’m mechanically inclined just want to get opinions before I cost myself more money! Thanks in advance and sorry for long post!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

First, welcome aboard

second, in the past 36 years, rust on non-painted surfaces would be common

prior to using the boat, make sure you do all the maintenance. this includes pulling the drive, doing an alignment, checking the u-joints, the gimble bearing and replacing the bellows.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Run the boat on hose muffs in the driveway. If you have a leaky core plug, you'll know soon enough.

Scott's advice on doing all the maintenance is the essential item in this conversation. Can't stress that enough. Check everything. Do all the regular maintenance items. You can find the Merc manuals for drive and motor at www.boatinfo.no

I'd also add to Scott's list: inspect and probably replace the impeller in the drive, if not the entire water pump. That is an essential every few years kind of maintenance item probably left for too long on an old to someone else boat.

 

[Ncguy88]

Thanks for the info guys, I’ll get this solenoid put on and see if I can get her to fire up on muffs and see what I’m working with. Where is the best place to get parts reasonable?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Thanks for the info guys, I’ll get this solenoid put on and see if I can get her to fire up on muffs and see what I’m working with. Where is the best place to get parts reasonable?

If you are going to use these forums, then it is suggested you support iBoats with some of your business. They offer as good a prices as anyone.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thanks for the info guys, I’ll get this solenoid put on and see if I can get her to fire up on muffs and see what I’m working with. Where is the best place to get parts reasonable?

if you need parts in a hurry from a local brick and mortar store, NAPA usually have some of the normal service parts

 

[Ncguy88]

If you are going to use these forums, then it is suggested you support iBoats with some of your business. They offer as good a prices as anyone.

sounds stupid but iv been using this forum on my phone and just realized they had a parts store as well. thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you are using the phone, you are missing out on 85% of the forums that do not show up on the mobile site.

 

[Ncguy88]

if you need parts in a hurry from a local brick and mortar store, NAPA usually have some of the normal service parts

thanks for that info, i have a business account with napa so if i need it in a hurry i can use them!

 

[Ncguy88]

if you are using the phone, you are missing out on 85% of the forums that do not show up on the mobile site.

yea i just got home from work i got on my laptop and will defiantly agree!!!