Got first boat "project boat "

[Toad67]

Hi there, just got my first boat and it's a project for sure but I'd like to get started trying to get motor running, they said it ran 5yrs ago. So my question is what steps should I take to get to turning the key? It's a 1974 Mercury 85hp, boat and motor been sitting outside for years, the boat is a Wriedt Stinger 16'.
clean carbs, do compression check change fluids etc? Appreciate any advice, thanks

 

[Chris1956]

There is a sticky entitled "Awakening a sleeping outboard". If has some good advice

You probably want to also rebuild the water pump and inspect the engine and boat wiring for missing insulation.

 

[sly_karma]

Find a factory manual for the engine. You'll need it.

 

[Toad67]

Yea! That was my next question.
so the serial # will tell me exactly what engine I have?
How do I look that up? The # is 4296322.

is there anything about these 85hp engines that stands out? Or are they just a basic engine, nothing really special about them, find something else, their junk, Lol or what? I mean for now it's going to be pushing a 16' boat I have no clue what to expect, will I even be able the pull the kids on tubes and such?

 

[RCO]

That is a pretty solid design. The only thing I would be concerned about is the wiring in the motor. Most Mercurys from that era have crumbling harnesses by now. That motor should push your 16 ft boat 40+ mph. Plenty enough power for tubing .

 

[Toad67]

What's some web sites to order parts for this motor?

 

[Chris1956]

Carb kits, water pump kits and spark plugs are avail at a wide variety of places, including iboats. Specialty parts are avail at crowleymarine and other places that sell OEM parts.

Your motor is a standard Mercury design of the times. It is really two 2 cylinder motors with a common crankshaft, hence the two carbs. You should see about 35 MPH, if your boat is light and the motor is at full power and propped correctly.