New to merc, ID help and general advice

[npd4432]

Well, this is a pretty long story but I will make it short. I formerly owned a 80 HP merc 4 cyl. and sold the boat back in about 1995. I sold it to a friend who basically let it sit for the past 15 years. So, I want to wake this motor up and put it on a pontoon I just purchased. The motor ran great when put away but I know what needs to be done after sitting for an extended period of time. I have been running Johnson and Evinrude products since owning the Merc and I am very familier with the J/E V4 and I3. Now for my questions. What year is this Merc the only serial tag I can find is this number 55640471. Now I am pretty sure it is an 80 HP but I am forgetful, I owned the boat when I was 21 years old and just put gas in the boat and used it and did not get into the maintance/repair side of things. On my list of things to do....compression test, water pump kit, carb kits lower unit service, and just a basic going over of things. Any other suggestions on the Merc side of things that would probably be new to me dealing with J/E products for so long. Another Q, the motor currently has autolite surface gap plugs in it now, I know the J/E stuff only likes to run on champions, what would be the correct plug for this motor.

Thanks, Mike.

 

[npd4432]

Re: New to merc, ID help and general advice

Just looked up the year, by the serial # it appears to be a 1979 80 HP Merc. Any answers to any of the above questions would be helpful..........

 

[k dogg]

Re: New to merc, ID help and general advice

im showing a 1979 80hp also and use champion plugs and before cranking this engine put a squirt of transmission fluid from an oil can this will lube the cylinders

 

[achris]

Re: New to merc, ID help and general advice

DON'T use transmission fluid, it's abrasive. Use the same oil you would put in the fuel tank.

Merc engines prefer NGK plugs, and a TC-W3 rated oil (at 50:1).

When ordering parts, use the serial number, not the year. Mercs do everything by serial number.

Chris..

 

[Coloradolakeboy]

Re: New to merc, ID help and general advice

Not Merc specific, but I probably would change out the at least 15 year old fuel lines, fuel filter and primer bulb.

 

[npd4432]

Re: New to merc, ID help and general advice

Once I see that it is viable to get going I will get the new fuel lines, plugs, wires, gas tank. I was going to give it a squirt with fogging oil before cranking. Then use premix to squirt in, in a spray bottle. What is the correct NGK plug and gap for this motor?? I will be using the BRP XD50 oil, as I have a bunch of it for my J/E stuff, it is rated TCWIII. Thanks for the help so far.

 

[k dogg]

Re: New to merc, ID help and general advice

how is trans fluid abrasive? it is high detergent oil and burns off easier than straight 2 cycle oil that will foul the plugs. we have used it for years on engines that have sat for long periods and have had no ill effect. also ngk plugs are junk and champion should be what the manufacturer installed in that engine. mercury ought to know what to run in their engines.