Reconditioning an OB after 30 years of sitting

[Rbbtslyr]

My Dad gave me a 1960 vintage 15 HP Mercury, I need to go pick it up, but the serial number doesn't matter to my question. I know it needs a waterpump impeller and a few odds and ends, like it will need the fuel lines and wires replaced after not having been run since about 1972 or so.<br /><br />The last time I was home he had me spray a bit of WD40 in it, and pull it through a few times, and therefore I know it is locked up.<br /> Outside of generally replacing the fuel lines the rubber and the wore out water pump what should I do to bring it back into use? I do know that the first few times I take her out I will take along a trolling motor just in case and stay close to home. <br /> This is one of the old cloud white engines and it has a lot of memories for me. My Dad use to take me fishing on a boat with this motor.<br /><br /> Is there a general list of things I should do to return her to use? Parts I should buy and keep on hand or have made up like fuel lines? Should I run her like on an orginal break in and keep the Rpms down? <br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Skyscraper

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Reconditioning an OB after 30 years of sitting

If its locked up, you could be in for a serious time consuming project.... Remove the plugs and try to look into the cylinders and inspect the condition of the inside... If its rusted you've got a problem... You can however spray fogging oil, and possibly some other break free type stuff (as long as it doesn't harm aluminum) to help get if free. <br />If then, you get it to turn over, a compression check is in order... Without compression, it won't run...<br />Let us know...<br />If it has a cylinder head that can be removed, try that if you like. But hope that you don't shear off the bolts doing so... <br /><br />30 Years is a long time to sit... If the rings are rusted to the cylinder sleaves, it could get ugly.. Good luck.