New Old Merc

[shesellswhisky]

I just purchased a Steury boat 1976 with a 115 merc outboard. Just wondering what are the first things i should do before hitting the water. This is the first boat i have ever owned.

 

[Maxz695]

Re: New Old Merc

Pray for a perfext day, check all your gear and saftey equipment make sure your up to date on registartion. inform all passengers of safety procedures and whereabouts of all life preservers fire extinguishers and make sure every one is seated before hitting the throttle so no one gets hurt have a great trip

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: New Old Merc

Welcome to the site whisky

It's always a good idea to get rid of any old gas. Assume it'd bad and run it thru a lawnmower maybe if it isn't too old.

Check to make sure the motor's water pump/impellar is pumping water to cool the motor. Getting a new impellar is a good idea if the previous owner did not replace it recently as well.

Did you test run the motor in the water or on muffs before you bought it?

Good luck to ya!

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: New Old Merc

Whisky. Replace the impellar, drain and refill lower end lube and gaskets, at the least.
Is the motor also 1976? if so that motor is worth some bucks.
Get an OEM MERC Service/ Repair Manual.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: New Old Merc

Whisky Don't post for every question. stay on 1 post.

 

[shesellswhisky]

Re: New Old Merc

Sorry for the duel post, it is a 1976. Getting the service manual is a fantastic idea as well. I did test run the motor and it sounds like it needs a tune up. I wish I could have done a compression test but i did not have the tester. Either way what i paid for the boat motor and trailer i could sell just the boat and trailer and make my money back.

 

[CWKboat]

Re: New Old Merc

The inlines run on the thermal edge so to speak, so it's critical that the impeller/cooling system and fuel system are maintained in optimal shape. Use mid-grade fuel as 87 is more prone to detonation per most of the inline gurus, and make sure the max timing advance is set at 21 degrees. Replacing the fuel pump diapragm is also a cheap piece of insurance. Prop it to make 5500 RPMs at WOT and do not underprop where it will "lug." Great motor and a lot of bang for the buck - you will love how it sounds at WOT!