Oil/gas mix 1979 Merc. 80 HP

[1979mercTN]

As you will probably guess I am completely new to the boating world. My parents had a boat they used until about 1989 and it sat in their garage until last summer. My friend and I repaired the transom this weekend and mounted the engine, which is a 1979 Mercury 80 HP. I know practically nothing about engines, but he has a little experience and the inside of the engine is amazingly clean and still lubricated. We'll be testing it out later today, but we're not sure about the oil/gas mix. Everything I have found seems to suggest that a 50/1 ratio will work on just about any outboard, but I would really appreciate any input you guys could give me.

Thanks!

 

[JB]

Re: Oil/gas mix 1979 Merc. 80 HP

50:1 is the right mix.

 

[1979mercTN]

Re: Oil/gas mix 1979 Merc. 80 HP

Great, thank you very much!

This may be a vague question, so there may not be a good answer to it: Can you think of anything else I need to watch out for on the engine? I have this nightmare of starting the engine and the prop flying off or something. Again, the engine hasn't been run since 1989.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Oil/gas mix 1979 Merc. 80 HP

The only two things you will need to do is change the waterpump impeller and clean the carbs. The waterpump impellers take a set if not used reguarly, and don't last too long

It is possible the motor was not run out of gas in 1989. If so, there will be much dirt/varnish in the carbs. although the motor may run, it will likely run lean, which can destroy it.

 

[1979mercTN]

Re: Oil/gas mix 1979 Merc. 80 HP

I appreciate the response. We checked the carbs last night and they appear to be quite clean. The gas tank is completely empty so that may be why.

What does the waterpump impeller do? And how do I find the right one for my engine?