How Free is this 50 hp?

[thunnus69]

I just got a 1986 50 2 stroke merc from a friend for free. Motor came off his friend's boat who I just spoke with. The story is the water pump went and he siezed the motor. He bagan taking it apart and was told to junk it. Now I have it. I followed advice from this forum and checked for compression: 120, 120 and 90 PSI, prop spins. I did this manually and have not connected it to a battery. Doesn't sound siezed to me but probably has some issues. Just ordered an OEM manual as I have never worked on these motors. I guess my first question is if I take this on where do I start. Please know that if I take this on I will need a lot of guidance, but I'm willing to give it a go.
Thanks in advance.
-Joe

 

[joed]

Re: How Free is this 50 hp?

First thing I would do is replace the water pump and try to start it.

 

[mthieme]

Re: How Free is this 50 hp?

That's funny,
I would try to start it before putting a dime or single bead of sweat into it.

 

[thunnus69]

Re: How Free is this 50 hp?

Thanks for the replies. Probably makes sense to try to start it before replacing anything. I'm not sure what I've got at this point. Anyone else care to chime in?
-Joe

 

[Alumarine]

Re: How Free is this 50 hp?

Ok, I'll chime in.

As mthieme says, just start it.

Don't even need water to it. If it runs for 30 seconds shut it off and put water to it and start checking it out.

Sometimes though, it's the free stuff that ends up costing the most.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: How Free is this 50 hp?

Depending on how far the PO got in taking the motor apart he may not be able to start it.

I would be suspicious of the 90PSI reading. Sounds like that cyl sustained some damage.

To what extent is the motor "taken apart"?

 

[joed]

Re: How Free is this 50 hp?

Since he can get compression readings it must now turn over. It was originally stated as seized . 90 is not terrible and for a free engine might as well try and start.
You could crank it over and see if you have spark before you try to start. That is a simple test that only requires plugs to be out. If you get spark put some fuel to it and see what happens.

 

[benr]

Re: How Free is this 50 hp?

that makes since try to find out how big a job it is before you sink any money in it.my boat was free and two years and about 1500 later it you still cant get on plane