running motor after years of non-use

Lewis

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 17, 2002
Messages
164
I'm getting ready to get back working on a project boat that has been sitting out of the water for almost 8 years. The motor is a 1988 Mercury 150 Black Max. As I recall, it was run out of gas and flushed, but not fogged. In fact, other than flushing, nothing special was done to prepare it for a long period of inactivity. What steps should I take before using it again?<br />Thanks,<br />Lewis
 

Spidybot

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
1,734
Re: running motor after years of non-use

First of all give it a close inspection. Then change impeller and gear oil.<br /><br />Connect fuel hose, prime it and check for flodding.<br /><br />See if it'll run. Keep rpm low for a good while. Check for water peeing. This is a must!!<br /><br />If it won't check spark plugs, fuel supply etc.<br /><br />If it won't run I'd suggest you get back with the specific problems or get a manual. A manual could come handy anyway so maybe you wanna start there.
 

Lewis

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 17, 2002
Messages
164
Re: running motor after years of non-use

Thanks for the tips; I'll definitely follow them. I do have a manual, but I never thought to see if it covered this situation. I will look at before I do anything.<br />I was thinking of shooting some light oil in the cylinders and hand cranking to distribute it before trying to start the motor. I don't know that it would be necessary, but I can't see how it could hurt....<br />Lewis
 

Franki

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 16, 2002
Messages
1,059
Re: running motor after years of non-use

yeah, <br />When I got my motor, it had not run for 7 years, and I did what you said, I put a fair wack of oil in there, left it overnight.. turned it over by hand a couple of times, and then stated it, blew alot of smoke and took a bit of cranking initially, but it started...<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank
 
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