Storing motor off the boat

Zep--

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 6, 2006
Messages
92
While I continue to work on this old 71 johnson 60HP , I decided to take a local guy up on his offer for a 1980's something 40 HP Evinrude for $450 that runs (should be picking that up tomorrow).

I thought I could mount the old Johnson in a steel barrel
but looking at how the motor bolts to the transom I don't think that will work..seems too wide for a barrel.

I'd like to be able to continue working on the old motor and as I progess try to start it up from time to time to check my progress (the barrel with water idea)

If the barrel idea is a no go then basically, what's the best way to store the motor. I don't have a garage or shed. Will it hurt to lay the motor flat on it's side? Should I wrap it up in some plastic first?

Thanks!
Carl
 

karrick

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 12, 2003
Messages
259
Re: Storing motor off the boat

You could build a frame for it out of 2x4s. Could take a little engineering to make it balance and be safe while wrenching on motor. You can always run it on the muffs for a short time. If you're going to store it outside, I would cover it the best you could, keep it of the ground and I would run some fogging oil in the cylinders to help inhibit rust. I see your in Florida so frozen water in the engine or the LU would not be a primary concern. I see you decided to forgo the old 60hp and run the 40. I got a great powerhead for the 60hp I'm gonna part out cheap this winter if ya need some parts. ~120psi all cylinders, turn key start. Good luck with the new motor.

K
 

Zep--

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 6, 2006
Messages
92
Re: Storing motor off the boat

Well..I have yet to see this 40 hp run with my own eyes but should see it tomorrow.

I got good compression on the cyl's, if the carb rebuild don't fix it I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with it after that.

I also may have a water leak into the electro shift gearcase. That I have not determined for sure yet.

Perhaps I will wait till the carb kits arrive before I give up on the 71, and still have the 40 to fall back on should the rebuild not give me the results I am looking for.

Thanks!
Carl
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,778
Re: Storing motor off the boat

A 2x4 or 2x6 frame would be my choice also so that the engine remained upright. Then I'd cover it with a canvas, not plastic, tarp. Canvas keeps the elements out but allows the engine to breathe which helps to prevent mold and corrosion. Engine ought to weigh in at about 175 lbs; not too heavy. Make the top rail, where you set the engine about as high off the ground as the boat's transom when sitting on the trailer. Should work fine.

Many folks use JB Weld to patch up a gear housing. I used it to mend a cracked block on a 4 cyl I/O.

HTH

Mark
 
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