Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

[bruce roorda]

I have just purchased a salvage boat and trailer and its got a 2001,Mercury 50HP engine on the back.I was going to sell it to one of the few wreckers in our country but my mechanic wants to have a go at repairing it.The engine has been sunk in saltwater and has been left for a period of time(dont know how long)Engine is siezed.Mechanic thinks rings a rusted to bore.Its due for dismantling in 9 day.Visibly engine is near perfect and only done little hours.Parts in my country are EXPENSIVE.Who would have neccesary parts and gaskets for this engine either new or 2nd hand.I may need new pistons,I take it you can rebore outboards?What about crankshafts?

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

wecome aboard mate,<br />you will get the best response if you post this<br />in the "outboards" forum, although the story of<br />how it sank would qualify for "stupid human tricks" <br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[dkondelik]

Re: Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

not sure about the cylinders on these Mercs.<br />Some older ones were chrome lined (don't take to boring)<br /><br />Some of the newer ones are "hardened" aluminum (also ??? about boring).<br /><br />Hang on here for a while. One of the ol' pros on this sight will surely offer a more qualified perspective.<br /><br />Good Luck

 

[orca]

Re: Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

G,day from across the water. If a motor is retrieved quickly and completly stripped straight away then generally it can be saved. however if the motor is left with water in it, especially sea water then severe damage will occur. you will need new crank, rods and bearings. probably would not need a rebore as the cylinders should hone. Mercury here in Australia are offering a factory rebuild service, Merc NZ is supplied by Merc Australia so the service may be available to you. I find it very cost effective, contact your Merc dealer.<br />If the motor was not running as it went down the electrics are probably OK but the carbys may have problems. If the motor was a four stroke then your problems will be magnified and I would junk it.

 

[bruce roorda]

Re: Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

Unfortuntately the complete rig was purchased just as everyone was going on their annual holiday so I was unable to strip and inspect the damage.I suppose I was wondering what to expect and was hoping someone would be experienced with the damage I am going to find.I believe the crank will be effected by the salt as well as the bearings but I was wondering if there were any "experts"that could just about tell me what to expect.What about trim and tilt,are starters able to be rebuilt,what about the 3x sealed power packs thatI suppose there will be a few unknowns.<br />The outboard was free so Im not too fussed but in typical New Zealand fashion the mechanic wants to give it a go?<br />Anyone else have some practical suggestions on this particular engine?<br />Its a 2 stroke by the way.

 

[alcan]

Re: Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

Hi Bruce<br />While I do not concider myself an expert. I have worked on lots of swamped motors. I have also repaired a few. As far as I or anyone else can tell you about what to expect is, expect the worst and hope for the best. You never really know whats going on until you get in there. Hey, alot of times there isn,t much if any damage. Other times its a total loss. If this were my motor I would take it apart and look at it. Then make my decision. You have nothing to loose.

 

[hondon]

Re: Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

You hav'nt mentioned if this is a 2 or 4 stroke.Alcan's advice is right on.You won't know what mechanical damage is done until you tear it down to the crank.If it has been laid up ,with salt , internal ,check the crank first.If that is salvagable, then I would go from there.Remember to inspect ,clean,and lube the electrical connections on all the components as they come off,and expect some trouble from them on down the road.You will need to rebuild the carbs , but if this is the current 4 stroke,you would be well advised to just replace them.

 

[cpasseno03]

Re: Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

Just a thought: If it was in deeper water more parts are likely to have succumb to swamping. I would expect certain things to hold out water if it sank next to a dock...<br />Craig

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

50hp, 2 stroke, down in salt water, pulled out and left sitting till it stuck....you can go look in the powerhead, but a betting man would say its a waste of time....crank, rods, pistons and cylinders will corroded beyond RELIABLE use, as will the starter,stator,carburators,trim relays and soleniods.....if you could economically get a powerhead and other components it could be done...but there isn't any cheap way to save it...

 

[roscoe]

Re: Swamped 2001 Mercury 50HP

Tell the mechanic he can play with it all he wishes, at his expense for parts and labor, and you will only pay him for it if he is able to get it in top running condition. Then tell him the most you are willing to pay for it. Set your price, get it in writing.<br /><br />Otherwise it could turn into an ending nightmare that will cost you thousands of money units (dollars?).