Rusty Parts of outboard

[pyro225]

Hi just got my used mariner 55 (w55 i think)

Before i put it on the boat i'm going to do the impeller and carb clean but I've noticed all the metal tubes on the mounting bracket are heavily rusted - is this normal/ok to use? also the two prongs you spin around to tip the outboard in the air has split in the middle. can i use as it is? if not what is this component called so i can buy a replacement?

 

[steelespike]

I'm sure no expert but it appears you have a motor used in salt water.Or it had a serious galvanic corrosion problem.
Regardless You need to get it on some sort of a stand to see if the mounting bracket works as it should Can you tip it up and get it back down.
Does it appear to steer as it should.
Before going too far you need to do a compression check. At least 100 psi and within 10% between cylinders.
If good compression it "may" be worth working on.
If it does have a corrosion problem every bolt and nut you try to remove will likely be rusted solid.
Sounds like you already have some failure from rust.Replacement will depend on the function
A mariner expert may be along with more practical help.

 

[pyro225]

Ok its going on a stand this week - first thing is to get the gear case off to do oil and impeller, along with compression and also clean the crabs if that goes well - as well as testing the rusted bits - ill report back