will engine run on its side

[weldbilt17]

I have a 1965 merc 500 I am trying to get running. So far all I can do is get it to pop from the exaust. This may seem a little silly to most but my question is will this engine run lying on it's side or does it have to be upright as it would be on the boat. I'm trying to get it running lying sparkplugs down, is this a problem or should it run this way.THANKS

 

[JB]

Re: will engine run on its side

The crankshaft has to be near vertical for the float mechanisms in the carbs to work properly, WB.

Many years ago I helped a fellow gearhead build an oversized kart-like buggy powered by a Merc L6, which we laid on its side. We had to build adapters to rotate the carbs 90* so the floats would work. He blew it up on the first trial run. . . his jury rigged cooling system didn't work and he wouldn't stop when it got too hot.

 

[j_martin]

Re: will engine run on its side

NO, and when you ignite all that gas you're spilling, getting the engine to run will be the least of your problems.

hope it helps
John

 

[weldbilt17]

Re: will engine run on its side

there was a miscommunication on my part, I am actually spraying the gas in with a squirt bottle the fuel line is not hooked up

 

[Silvertip]

Re: will engine run on its side

And if it did start, how would you intend to cool the engine? and are you then prepared to replace the water pump impeller because running it dry will turn it to toast in a matter of seconds. Take the time to build a test stand, use muffs, and run it correctly before you hurt yourself or cause a fire.

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: will engine run on its side

Amazing!

 

[weldbilt17]

Re: will engine run on its side

And if it did start, how would you intend to cool the engine? and are you then prepared to replace the water pump impeller because running it dry will turn it to toast in a matter of seconds. Take the time to build a test stand, use muffs, and run it correctly before you hurt yourself or cause a fire.

Sorry for the confusion, I have the lower unit pulled from the motor, I was just wanting it to run for a few seconds to make sure its worth messing with before I put the water to and actually try to run it. I also have a fire extinguisher right beside me while I'm working on it, been there with the fire before, old motorcycle. Thanks for the consern most people don't care.

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: will engine run on its side

With the lower unit pulled, that concerns me even more. If you have the lower removed, there is no load on the powerhead at all. I would be very very cautious even starting this on a stand. The motor could runaway, even if you're only running it for a few seconds. I'd hate to see a good classic motor implode upon itself.

Sorry for the confusion, I have the lower unit pulled from the motor, I was just wanting it to run for a few seconds to make sure its worth messing with before I put the water to and actually try to run it. I also have a fire extinguisher right beside me while I'm working on it, been there with the fire before, old motorcycle. Thanks for the consern most people don't care.

 

[j_martin]

Re: will engine run on its side

I haven't seen one implode yet. They usually throw parts at me.

Best bet would be to check for good compression. If you have that, put the motor together and in the tank, and deal with everything else, all of which will be easily fixed.

hope it helps
John

 

[weldbilt17]

Re: will engine run on its side

Thanks, I wasn't sure if it would get the fuel in the cylinder good enough to run with it liying on it's side.

 

[weldbilt17]

Re: will engine run on its side

You are right, I didn't think ofthat at all, a piston coming at you at 7000rpm might make you limp the rest of your life.Thanks