1958 Mark 78 motor

JohnRuff

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
128
What would you do? This boat and motor were store in a garage for the last 27 years in California. Before it was stored - it had been end of season serviced.<br /><br />I have looked at the wiring - and it is not brittle or dried out. I was told that can be a problem because if it were dried out and you put power to it - it could burn out the wiring harness and the magnetos.<br /><br />So what would you do to get it running? It has been suggested to me to just put a teaspoon of oil in each cylindar and put a battery on it a power it up.<br /><br />This boat and motor were lovingly cared for and are in extrordinary condition. Everything looks near new on it.<br /><br />I don't want the expense of having a dealer check it out if I don't need to -- so am asing for advice.
 

gwmark78

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
77
Re: 1958 Mark 78 motor

John, You'll have a tough time getting any dealer to work on your motor, so you wiil need to order a service manual to help you now and in the future. After sitting 27 years, you will need to service the water pump with at least a new impeller. Use a light penentrating oil in each cylinder with all spark plugs out and hand cranking first to make sure everything is free before starting. Check your gear oil in the lower unit. You may get lucky, and have it fire right up- just make sure you're cooling ok. If it is in as good a shape as you have indicated, YOU sure don't want to mess things up.
 

JohnRuff

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
128
Re: 1958 Mark 78 motor

I agree with not wanting to mess it up. Actually found a dealer in Apache Junction that specializes in old boats and willing to work on it. Think I will order the parts first.
 

Pickels

Cadet
Joined
Dec 5, 2004
Messages
18
Re: 1958 Mark 78 motor

The guy who is working on my motor sure seems to know what the heck he is doing! But that's not the real interesting part. I just hope the motor turns out to be in half as good shape as the mechanic.<br /><br />This mechanic is as lucid as a 21 year old kid - and yet he just celebrated his 91'st birthday last week!!!!!!!!!!
 

gwmark78

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
77
Re: 1958 Mark 78 motor

So, how's it going with the 78? Got it running yet?
 
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