Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

[Mnemonic]

Hello,<br /><br />My grandfather passed away and left me a 1975 Crestliner 15' boat.. It has a almost new looking merc 60HP outboard on the back of it, with tilt controls and everything!<br /><br />I am new into boating... and the boat has been sitting throught about 5 years of winters.. I dont know if it runs, but i want to try starting it, what do i do? i know i have to give it a gas/oil mix in the tank, but dont you have to hook it up to a hose or something so it gets water? how do i do that?<br /><br />Thanks for the help!

 

[Laddies]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

get a set of earmuffs for a hose end to get water to the engine it sounds like the motor is a 75 so it's 50 to 1 (any mercury that came black from the factory is 50 to 1} because it's set so long a little extra oil won't hurt 25 to 1 for start up

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

Should i do anything to prep it before starting it? like change the spark plugs or anything? I dont think it has been started in 5 years or so..

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

In 1975 they didn't make a 60hp. What is the serial number of the engine?

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

I dont have it on me, it is DEFINITLY not a 1975 motor.. i think more like 1995-1998... here is a picture (sorry for quality)

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

That motor looks a lot like my '89 40HP..... it will likely be oil injected. You will see the oil fill cap on the top-front of the cowl. It should be topped up with Quicksilver oil or equivalent. No need to pre-mix gas/oil, although for this first start-up it wouldn't hurt to have a little extra oil anyways.<br /><br />Don't start it up without water hooked up, or without the water intakes submerged. If you do not see a steady stream of water out the tell-tale spout at the back, soon after starting...shut it down. Either way, the water pump impeller should be changed after sitting this long, and the lower unit lube changed & inpected for traces of water (cloudiness) or debris. It would be wise to do this before attempting to start it.<br /><br />Other members will be able to better advise regarding the pre-check for the powerhead itself.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

Originally posted by AMD Rules:<br /> That motor looks a lot like my '89 40HP..... it will likely be oil injected. You will see the oil fill cap on the top-front of the cowl. It should be topped up with Quicksilver oil or equivalent. No need to pre-mix gas/oil, although for this first start-up it wouldn't hurt to have a little extra oil anyways.<br /><br />Don't start it up without water hooked up, or without the water intakes submerged. If you do not see a steady stream of water out the tell-tale spout at the back, soon after starting...shut it down. Either way, the water pump impeller should be changed after sitting this long, and the lower unit lube changed & inpected for traces of water (cloudiness) or debris. It would be wise to do this before attempting to start it.<br /><br />Other members will be able to better advise regarding the pre-check for the powerhead itself.<br /><br />Good luck!

The motor says "60" on the back of it, so is that a 60 HP or is that a model for a 40 HP?<br /><br />Also, there is a cap on the top of the motor that looks like its for oil... so does that mean i dont have to mix oil with the gas at all normally? like a car's engine?<br /><br />When i get home from the office i will post a serial number, you can tell me what year it is by that?

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

Sorry I wasn't trying to mislead you..... yours would be a 60HP if it says it is I was just confirming the general appearance & paint scheme would make it a late 80's motor, perhaps early 90's.<br /><br />The motor is oil injected, which would mean you add oil to the reservoir on the motor directly. It is still a 2-stroke though....and automatically blends oil with the gasoline prior to entering the carbs.<br /><br />Post the serial number to confirm year.

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

I cant find the serial on this motor for the life of me... i just spent 30 minutes outside with a flashlight... there's nothing there!

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

The label should be on the rear portion of the mounting bracket, on the right side when you are standing behind the motor.<br /><br /> http://www.mercurypartsexpress.com/...on/ServiceParts/OutboardImage.asp?pic=Mercury

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

OK... I found it this morning.. OB204109

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

OK, i just used this site's powerhead replacement thingy, and it says OB000001 - OB999999 = 1986, right?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

I get '87:<br />60hp 0B110789-0B239241 1987 3 cyl<br />That said, I would premix 50:1 gas and run that through it until you verify the oil injection system is working properly. If it is, it will consume oil in the tank and the level will drop. It would be a good idea to drain and clean out the oil tank as well, as any water or crud in it can kill the engine.<br /><br />Before starting the engine, I would remove the spark plugs, put a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder and rotate the engine a couple of times by hand. You should feel resistance from the water pump and cylinders, but you shouldn't feel any binding or roughness when you turn it.<br /><br />Like AMD_rules said, you've got some basic maintenance to catch up with. Besides changing the water pump, you'll want to replace the lower unit oil, pull the prop and grease the shaft, and grease any zirks on the engine. No big deal, just basic maintenance.<br />Good luck!

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

OK.. the spark plugs and stuff i can do realy easy, but any suggestions on how to drain and clean the oil tank? Do i have to take it off?<br /><br />Lets just say water does come out the exit path on the motor, is it necessary to replace the water pump?<br /><br />How do i replace the oil in the lower unit? <br /><br />I am new to all this stuff, but i am going to a marine store today and im going to buy all the oils and greases, and ask alot of questions..

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

I have no suggestions on cleaning the oil tank other than to say that you'll want a service manual in hand while doing it.<br />You must replace the water pump. It is good practice to replace it at least every other season notwithstanding use. When the engine is left sitting for extended lengths of time the impeller in the pump will take on a 'set' and will either perform poorly or fly apart when pressed back into service. You'll see what I mean when you replace it. Again, you'll want a manual to do this.<br /><br />To replace the lower unit oil, start by lowering the engine to the full down position. Then put a drain pan underneath it and remove the large slot screws marked 'Drain' and 'Vent'. Oil should pour from the 'Drain' screw hole. While waiting, examine the oil for traces of water (milkyness if the engine has been run recently) or chunks of metal. Black coffee looking stuff with ultra-fine metal powder is fine.<br />To refill the lower unit, you need to fill from the bottom (drain) screw hole until it comes out the top. They sell oil in tubes to do this with cone shaped tops, but if I were you I would invest in one of the little pumps they sell that fit on the top of a regular oil container. They are far easier, less messy and less wasteful than the tubes. I belive your engine needs 11.5oz of oil, but I could be wrong about that.<br />When oil starts coming out the top (vent) screw hole, put the vent screw in with a NEW gasket on it. Then remove the pump or tube, and install the fill screw with a NEW gasket. You've got some time to do this - the oil will not come out fast.<br /><br />So, you'll need at least 12oz of lower unit oil, two new fill/vent screw gaskets, and mabey a lower unit oil pump. Actually, pick up a handful of gaskets - they're cheap and you'll need them at the next oil change (next season).<br /><br />Hope this answers your questions! Well, some anyway.

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

OK... I did everything, and i had to purchase alot of parts, (fuel line assembly, impeller, earmuffs) and to my suprise when i removed the cowl how CLEAN this motor is!<br /><br />I only had a couple minutes to try starting it after all the work (I bought the service manual) it just cranked, but didnt start... i think this is because i didnt change the plugs, and the connecter from the fuel tank to the motor is the right type ( some bar with another hole with a pin on it) but it doesnt click in and hold...<br /><br />Here are some pics of the motor.. (Clean eh? Thank you fresh water)<br />

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[neverenoftackle]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

Everything being equal and with a little TLC this motor will last you a LONG time. As with most anything new to you I’ll take time, studying and experience to help you along. Here’s wishing you many happy and safe hours with your grandfather’s gift, looks like a nice one.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

I only had a couple minutes to try starting it after all the work (I bought the service manual) it just cranked, but didnt start...

Your throttle controls most likely have an integral kill switch....make sure it is set to RUN or you'll be cranking in vien.<br /><br />Nice looking motor!

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

Originally posted by AMD Rules:<br />

I only had a couple minutes to try starting it after all the work (I bought the service manual) it just cranked, but didnt start...

Your throttle controls most likely have an integral kill switch....make sure it is set to RUN or you'll be cranking in vien.<br /><br />Nice looking motor!

I thought of that... it is on run....:-(

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Need help with a 60HP Merc Outboard

oh... and also, when i set the trim to keep the motor in the up position, its back down again like an hour later... whats up with that? I just got a new battery today too.