Is it worth the effort

[SMD4]

My Grandpa has a boat with a 1980 mercury 50 on it, and it hasn't run in about four years since the water pump failed and it overheated. Does anyone think it has a chance of being fixed? What would have to be replaced?
Thanks, SMD4

 

[saumon]

Re: Is it worth the effort

In the worst case (completely seized piston), but IF you do it yourself, it could cost at most 1000$ to fix it right.

By "right", i mean, aside from the block work, piston(s), gaskets, seals and bearings, also doing the carbs, the fuel pump and the water pump, even maybe completely resealing the lower unit.

Even at 1000$, it's still cheap for a "new" engine.

In your case, you first need to know what happened exactly and the only sure way to tell is to remove the powerhead and pull the crankshaft to look at the pistons and cylinders.

 

[cell]

Re: Is it worth the effort

Squirt some oil in the cylinders,and do a compression check.Post back with the results.

 

[SMD4]

Re: Is it worth the effort

I will try to do that this week Thanks

 

[SMD4]

Re: Is it worth the effort

i got the compression tester and plan on testing it tomorrow

 

[SMD4]

Re: Is it worth the effort

i did the test the starter didn't work so i pulled it a few times and it went to 120 plus or minus 5, on 3, the 4th i couldn't plug it into. Would what i did work for an accurate reading?

 

[cell]

Re: Is it worth the effort

A flex adapter.

 

[SMD4]

Re: Is it worth the effort

what do you mean? for the compression tester?
and I learned that when it broke 4 years ago they took it to a mechanic and he said it would cost $1000 to swap motors for a equal one. i think i might play around with the starter and if i can't fix it i'll pull the head.
does anyone know where i can check part prices and order them?

 

[AEROCOOK]

Re: Is it worth the effort

Is the paint on the motor blistered from the overheat? If not, maybe it didnt overheat "too badly" As cell suggested, use a flex adapter on the compression guage to get a reading on the fourth cylinder and if it's even with the others or close to it, start it up and see how it sounds. Wont cost you anything and you have nothing to lose.
Others can correct me if Im wrong but I think 120 psi is fairly good compression.

 

[SMD4]

Re: Is it worth the effort

the paint looks fine its was stored very well and looks clean. i'm startin to think it might be elictrical, a fuse or a melted wire if thats makes sense.

 

[cell]

Re: Is it worth the effort

I say 120 psi is good....