Steps to take to Salvage Old Motor

[SeaKaye12]

Hello,<br /><br />I just acquired a 70's vintage Merc 85. It's been sitting without having been run for perhaps 20 years.<br /><br />As far as I know from the previous owner, it had very little use, and was running properly when last used.<br /><br />I plan on pulling the plugs and squirting in some oil prior to turning the engine over. I will watch for proper cooling (should it start...) <br /><br />Is there anything else thast I could/should do prior to attempting to fire it up?<br /><br />Thanks, Chuck

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: Steps to take to Salvage Old Motor

Check the lower unit oil.

 

[JB]

Re: Steps to take to Salvage Old Motor

Replace the impeller.

 

[yater]

Re: Steps to take to Salvage Old Motor

How was it stored? Even if stored properly, you'll need to do some carb cleaning. After that long, she won't run right without carb work. I'd tear into it and probably order new jets...20 years can make those things impossible to clean out effectively. Fuel tank should be inspected/cleaned along with fuel line.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Steps to take to Salvage Old Motor

Check all wires also.

 

[shipoffools]

Re: Steps to take to Salvage Old Motor

The list could be endless and so daunting you won't want to undertake the project but not to worry!!! Get a repair manual for the motor it will prove invaluable!!!<br /><br />If I were attacking this motor I would change the lower unit lube and rebuild the water pump before I even turned it over, From there a carb and fuel system cleaning and give it a try. <br /><br />Be prepared to replace lots of seals, gaskets ,diaphrams ,wires ,etc. before using the motor but start simple to see if it has potential.<br /><br />Finally if you have questions along the way ask them here there are folks who have forgotten more about those engines than You or I will ever know.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Steps to take to Salvage Old Motor

This is what I do with old motors (and I am always picking up old motors). I get some lube in the cylinders through the plug holes, and with a breaker bar on the flywheel nut, I rotate the engine by hand until it spins freely. Once that is done, I grab a portable tank, fresh gas/oil mix, and a charged up battery for electric start, and stretching excercises for pull start. I then pump the bulb. I am not concerned if the float works, fuel can dribble out of the throat for all I care, I just want fuel getting to all of the cylinders. I have been known to dribble some mix through plug holes just to get it to fire. I then attempt to fire it up in a trashcan of water on the off chance that the water pump will actually work (sometimes they actually do, I have been surprised). If it runs, THEN I am willing to spend money. It doesn't have to run great, it just has to run somewhat, and I only run it a short bit unless I can positively confirm the water pump is working. From there comes the compression check, carb cleaning, water pump impeller changing, lower unit servicing, etc. I do not want to do all that work on something that is all bollocks. Good luck...