Running 44 year old Merc at WOT

[TheGeek]

Hello, I have a '73 Merc 850 which runs great now that I have put some time into getting it running. So now I want it to last as long as possible and I was wanting to know if it is bad to run the motor at WOT frequently? The motor seems more stable and vibrates less when at WOT, we typically push it to WOT to get across a lake. The boat the motor is attached to is an aluminum boat that is quite light.

 

[jimmbo]

Those engines were designed to run at WOT and will not harm it. But like any engine, running a lower speed will lengthen it lifetime. Make sure the engine is propped to run in its WOT range, preferably at higher end of it.. On your engine that would be 4800 - 5300 rpm
That vibration... Is the prop in good condition? Is the prop shaft straight?

 

[Scott Danforth]

make sure its running properly on all cylinders and the prop shaft is straight and the prop is in good shape like jimmbo mentioned.

then mash the throttle at will until you run out of fuel

 

[goldstem]

You can certainly run WOT, however, cutting back just a little results in little loss of speed and yet noticeably less noise, fuel consumption and wear and tear.

 

[Texasmark]

Toss my "go for it hat" into the ring too. 2 strokers love to run. Good lube, clean gas, good water pump, life is good.

 

[MH Hawker]

run it like you stole it