Potential problems with ?new motor? not run for multiple years?

[VAfan]

I?m thinking about buying a 2003 - 50hp Mercury (2cycle) that has not been properly maintained / run for multiple years. Looks brand new and per the owner?s son in-law still has the original oil in the tank. It belonged to his father-in-law that has passed away so he is not sure when the motor was last run or if it was fogged.

It fires up and idles fine with a strong flow through the pee hole.

Other than the potential for rebuilding carburetors any other concerns? I?m thinking if the cylinders were rusty we are in a ?too-late scenario? now since it?s been fired up recently.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Potential problems with ?new motor? not run for multiple years?

Ask the seller if he is willing to remove the exhaust side cover, IF you supply the gaskets.

This will allow you both to inspect the cyl's thru the exhaust ports.

If the motor is that short of run-time, hopefully you can remove the cover bolts carefully without breaking them off.

Edit;
If you do buy the motor be sure the service the water pump anyway. That impeller has sat for far too long to rely on it not to have taken a 'set'.

 

[VAfan]

Re: Potential problems with ?new motor? not run for multiple years?

Thanks; I’ll look into pulling the exhaust. I know it’s best to not have rust on the cylinder walls…but if they do.....is it a “show stopper”? What is the potential damage done by running it? Chipped/cracked rings…..low compression?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Potential problems with ?new motor? not run for multiple years?

Rust can act like very fine sandpaper and lightly sand the rings. Once the rust is gone there is no more abrasive action. If compression is good it will stay good for a long time as long as you faithfully use quality oil.

There is one good thing about a very lightly rusted cyl, the small pits actually help hold oil.

I wouldn't be afraid of it. Since it has already been started I doubt that you will see anything but clean cyll's.