no oil in gearcase during winter storage ramification

Bchappy

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2005
Messages
26
1978 90 merc was stored with no plugs and empty gearcase in sub freezing temps also no fog-what problems could have developed?
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
How long ago was it stored like this? My guess is not much happened unless it's been decades. And by plugs, do you mean drain/vent screws or spark plugs? Is the motor locked up?
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
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Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,764
Next to the ocean, or in a shed in Minnesocold?
 

Bchappy

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2005
Messages
26
The boat was stored like this for 2 seasons-with the gearcase oil fill and drain plug removed-but motor was covered by plastic tarp. The motor has not run this summer well because of suspected carb fowling. Ran 1/4 speed and hard starting.
 

tpenfield

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Staff member
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Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,236
I would expect the gear case to have some rust in the bearings and on the gear teeth. It might be a better mooring anchor rather than a motor. You will have to make a first hand assessment in order to tell.
 
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