Motor sitting for 20 years

[Dougan]

I found someone selling a 9.8 mercury that's been sitting for a couple decades (Which would mean it hasn't even got 10 years of run time). Are there any concerns you would all have regarding just throwing this thing in the water and running it?

I would probably replace the impeller before I even tried anything, and change the oil in the lower unit. That's all I can think of, though.

In your opinion, would you say buying a motor that's been sitting for 2/3 of its life better than buying the same model that's had 'normal' use 100% of the time?

 

[Angrywasp]

Re: Motor sitting for 20 years

Yes. You would need to determine if it was seized from sitting for so long to start with. Pull the spark plugs and look in the cylinders for rust. If it's not seized and it's CHEAP try it. If it's seized all bets are off as to whether it will run without a rebuild or not. If you buy it and it's seized fill the cylinders with some oil (I used cheap motor oil) and let the motor sit for about a week. Then try to rotate the motor manually with the plugs removed. Change the oil and then try to start it. Chances are you will cover the plugs with oil so you will have to pull them out repeatedly and clean them before it will start. I did this on my great grandfathers 1949 Dodge that had sat for 25 years and she eventually started.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Motor sitting for 20 years

Here is some reading for you. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

 

[frwhlr38]

Re: Motor sitting for 20 years

What i have found if cyl are rusty or sticky use marvel mystery oil on them seems to work a little better till ya gets it turning by hand the add the 2 cycle oil after ya gets it turning