Is this 1985 Merc ready for open water check?

[dakk1]

I am restoring a 1986 Stratos with a 1985 Merc 150. The boat has not been used for 5 years. I cranked it on muffs right after I bought it to see if it would but shut it right down. I have rebuilt the water pump, the carburetors and the fuel pump. New plugs ,new gas. I cold tested compression and got 103 to 106 in all cylinders. What else, if anything, would you all suggest prior to going to open water. Should I replace thermostats ,for example? Should I treat it like a break-in after having sat idle for so long? All suggestions are welcome and Thank You! Dave

 

[BIGKASH]

Re: Is this 1985 Merc ready for open water check?

i did all the above to a 83 merc 200hp i have done all the above plus thermostats and ofcourse changed the lower unit oil....inspect the spark plug wire too, actually all the wire as i had to replace a few...good luck

 

[dakk1]

Re: Is this 1985 Merc ready for open water check?

Thanks for the input BIGKASH. I think I will replace the thermostats just to be sure. Hadn't thought about the plug wires but it's a good idea. They are probably the originals. I have a lot of hours in this boat project and I would like to use it the week of July 4th so I need to get it on the water and see what's what... Dave.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Is this 1985 Merc ready for open water check?

You might want to try running it at night with the cover off to check the wires. If you get no arcing you should be OK.

 

[dakk1]

Re: Is this 1985 Merc ready for open water check?

Thanks SoLittle. I wondered how I might check those wires...sometimes the obvious escapes me..<br />Dave