Merc Cassic 50 starter problems

[r-rod]

Hi all,<br /><br />I have a 1989 Merc Classic 50 outbourd with very little hours. Motor was stored for over 6 years. I bought the motor and had it installed on my boat, all worked perfectly. engine would start on the first crank.<br />Cut to the chase......I ran into some family problems and did not use the boat for about a year, I had to prepare the boat to sell. Now the starter won't engage when I turn the key. Every now and then it lets out a loud shreik! If I go back and pull up on the starter and kinda engage it with the gear it stats right up?? What do you all think? <br />Also, motor is now leaking oil from the prop area. there is a bowling ball size oil spot right under the engine. Is it possible something is damaged? I get a good stream of water out the P-hole and engine starts right up when I engage the starter manually. Any suggestion are so appreciated. TIA

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Merc Cassic 50 starter problems

I would change the impeller for a start. 6 years and then one standing will likely dry out the neoprene and it will soon start breaking up. If the oil smells like petrol, it is only unburnt 2 stroke and harmless. If it smells like gear oil (Pungent smell) you most likely have seal problem. Loosen the top vent srew, then slowly turn out the bottom fill/drain screw. If a milky goo or water comes out.. it's time to look at where lt's getting in from. My guess is it's unburnt 2 stroke.. common on infrequently used motors. The starter sounds like it needs freeing up with some sort of lubrication or battery connections are corroded or loose.