unsure of what you've purchased

[joe_morgan]

Hi all. <br /><br />I have recently purchased a 1975 40 hp. As a relative newby, I feel very uncertain about what I have purchased and dont want to break my engine (and mainly get stuck some where). Can some more experienced members please part with some knowledge on what I can do or test to make my self feel at ease about going further afield than usual when fishing.<br />Also I have pulled the carby apart and cleaned it, I will replaced the plugs and check for compression, is there anything else I can do to make this old goldy a little more reliable. (I had read an earlier post about making an old engine more reliable.)<br /><br />Cheers<br />Joe

 

[DJ]

Re: unsure of what you've purchased

joe morgan,<br /><br />Service the water pump. Service the lower unit.<br /><br />If you do not have a service manual, get one. It will answer just about any question you may have.

 

[mred 2436]

Re: unsure of what you've purchased

i agree with what dj said...also...if you can get a plastic barrel ( 55 gallon ) so that you can get the motor set into it ( backing your boat up to the edge of a ditch or embankment helps give you clearance to do this ) you can then run the unit at moderate speeds, enabling you to see if there is water getting into the lower unit, and if your impeller is working. also allows you to listen for misfires. if you run for extended time, be sure to use a hose and add fresh water, as the water in the barrel will become heated. you can also get your engine fairly cold this way, which allows you to see how it handles a cold start. if you get past all this with no problems, then you will be able to feel fairly confident with moderate runs...and then time will tell !

 

[roscoe]

Re: unsure of what you've purchased

Check all wiring and connections.<br />New fuelpump diaphram.<br />New fuel filter.<br />Add water pressure gauge kit ($60).

 

[joe_morgan]

Re: unsure of what you've purchased

Thank you all for these suggestions. I have run it around for a bout 20 mins but had probs that I have now fixed. (throttle cable) I just have this feeling of dread that it will blow up for no good reason. It will take a little time before I will feel confident with it. <br />Each of these suggestions has merit and for that I thank you all. <br />The water pump is less than twelve months old, I have cleaned but not rebuit the carby, The wiring looks to have been redone recently. Very new wiring and looks tidy. Also engine looks clean. I like the coment about the water pressure kit. Can one also get a water temp kit.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Joe

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: unsure of what you've purchased

When you feel the engine works like it is supposed to, I would also decarb the engine with a spray like seafoam or an equivalent.

 

[joe_morgan]

Re: unsure of what you've purchased

Took it out this morning to see how it was running and it ran beautifully for about 10 mins before it suddenly lost power and would do more than bout 10km's (5mph~). So I limped home and it was able to restart so I could clean it out but I ran so roughly I'm wondering if it was runningon one cylinder. I'm gonna replace the plugs and look at a carb kit. I suspect some crap in the carb. Need to do a compression test so I know how the engine wear is.<br />Joe

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: unsure of what you've purchased

Check your wiring/connections too.

 

[mred 2436]

Re: unsure of what you've purchased

joe....definitely do a compression test. also you may need to watch your engine run with the cover off and observe the head cover gaskets. i once had a similar situation where the mtor ran fine in the barrel, compressions were all good, but after a few minutes on the water, it would lose power. noticed the edges of the cover gaskets bubbling water. turned out the gaskets would not leak until the engine had heated up and was under a load

 

[joe_morgan]

Re: unsure of what you've purchased

Interesting. The gasket bolts are all coroded and there is a lot of powerdery stuff around under the head. I'd hate to have to remove the bolts.<br />I've purchased new plugs and the carb is soaking in fuel as we speak. Will try and blow it out and install tonight. Fingers crossed.<br />Joe