Question of the day!

[sloopjimd]

So I have just been given a 1964 mercury 3.9 hp single cylinder with shifting gearcase motor for free. After having it on craigs list and not being able to get rid of it, I decided to check it over. It has good spark and compression. Gear case leakes like a mother. And after researching parts for like 2 hours I can get most of them Should I or shouldnt I even get into this thing. It is a cool old motor.
What do you think?

 

[patpel]

Re: Question of the day!

Hi sloopjimd.
I too do like the oldies. I have a 1971 7.5hp merc and even though it is starting to give me some trouble I just want to keep it alive.
Here's my two bits on old motors.
If you like the nostalgia and you are willing to put in a bit of money and time, go for it. you might even get some use out of it.
But if you are looking for reliability for fishing and what not, you are asking for disappointment.
My philosophy when it comes to motors (cars, boats or any other) is this: You will either pay up front for reliable or you will pay later for repairs, but you will pay either way.

cheers
patpel

 

[sloopjimd]

Re: Question of the day!

Thanks for the input. I own a small repair shop and it seems like this old motor seems like just the ticket for somthing to do for fun.
Last night I went and put it in the test tank and mixed up some fuel and for grins pulled her over. She fired right up after sittinig for more then 10 years ( I did lube up the cylinder before doing so).
I then decided to start tearing done the lower unit. Talk about simple.
So all in all I think my curiousity decided for me im going to get her running.
(thats how I ended up married with kids is curiosity)