where do I start

[jasonl]

I inherited a 1989 45hp mercury that sat in a field for 10 yrs or so. I'm getting ready to start it up but don't have any spark. So.... where can I get a service manual and where do I find the serial number? I'm in the Niagara Falls area and have absolutely NO experience working on 2 strokes or marine motors for that matter... Any help would be greatly appreciated...

 

[jasonbailey]

Re: where do I start

Do a search for waking up an old outboard. There is a really good thread on it, tells you what to do, top to bottom.

Basically goes like this:
1. Obtain factory service manual, or a good aftermarket one
2. Compression Check - bad compression = lots of $$ to fix
3. Rebuild Carbs
4. change fuel pump diaphram
5. Change impellor and water pump housing
6. change oil in lower unit/replace filler screw seals
7. Inspect all wiring
8. Be prepared to spend some money, doing it on the cheap is usually not an option

Edit - Model and serial number should be on the transom bracket
Edit - Factory manuals are available at any Mercury dealer. Clymers or Seloc should be available on Amazon or at your local West Marine store.

 

[jasonl]

Re: where do I start

thanks, i found the serial number, unfortunately its quite faded and hard to read. I'm going out to my merc dealer tomorrow to see about a service manual.

 

[jasonl]

Re: where do I start

I called my local merc dealer today and he told me that there isn't a mercury service manual for my outboard?!?! Is he correct or just too lazy to check?

 

[road.ripper]

Re: where do I start

hi Jason
im in hamilton
get a solec manual from your dealer or buy it online i got one for $45 in simcoe,
i am new to o/b engines aswell and i have gotten tons of help here
look around through the posts to find any topics first before you post your question ( i have found lots of thing i wouldnt think to ask this way)
just ask for more info and some one will jump in and answer your query

here is a merc ser no chart
it may help
http://www.marineparts.com/partspages/techhelp/images/tech146.gif

also a trouble shooting chart in attachments

as i said help is here just ask
good luck and hope you get your engine running soon

road.