New to me motor

[the_anarchy16]

ok. so i got my motor(can pick it up anytime YAY) and its a 2003 merc 15hp 4stroke. I have a small 14ft fishingboat and its best suited to smaller lakes in northern ontario however i live in windsor and the only water near me is the detroit river. when its calm we take my boat by fighting island (more protected area) and are just fine, however we dont go too far and if it get choppy or windy we come in. Well im planning a trip for pike opener at the start of may and id like to get used to the new motor before we grag it up north. any ideas how i should treat it (apparently only has 1 year on it but it is fully broken in) should i be testing things or just having fun with it. also we run my boat full up north close to its weight limit should the motor be treated differently when its pushing say 800 lbs instead of 350-400? obviously it wont be as fast. Just looking for tips

thanks

 

[JB]

Re: New to me motor

I can't think of a better test than putting her in the water and putting her to work, anarchy.

Things to watch for:
Is the tell-tale stream constant?
Does she start quickly and consistently?
With full load, does she accellerate smoothly and maintain a good cruise speed?
Does crankcase oil level remain full (no gas dilution)?

Before you go up north, change the crankcase oil and the gearcase oil.

 

[the_anarchy16]

Re: New to me motor

thanks cant wait to take that advice lol ill make sure to watch for the pee streem and consistancies and making gas and stuff. keepin my fingers crossed that ittl be a good buy.

thanks