Restart after 11 year storage

[Ken Perry]

My father-in-law has a 1987 Lund Predator with Merc Classic 50 thats been in storage since 1989. I think it was used about 4 times. The fuel had not been treated with stabil and I doubt any other storage preparations were implimented. What mechanical procedures are required get this rig back in commission. Any cost estimates would also be helpful. Thanks to any one who can help.

[REW]

I would simply drain out any gas that is in the tanks -
Drain and refil the lower unit -
Fill a tank with the correct fuel mixture -- add the correct amount of sea foam -- this will help clean the carbs and go for it.

There is a likely possibility that there is gum in the carbs that is going to cause starting or idling problems. However, mayby not.

Give it a try -- if it works great.

If it runs at high speed but has trouble idling --try to run a full 6 gallon tank of fuel through it. It is quite likely that the sea foam will cut through the gum and let you run ok. If it doesn't clean up in one tank -- then you will need to pull the carbs -- clean them and reassemble them.

That is really all you should have to do.

If you suspect - it certainly woldn't be a bad idea to replace the spark plugs. They are probably fine - but they should be ok.

Put a few drops of oil on the bendix for the starter -- grease the linkages and motor mounting joints.

Good luck

REW

[John]

REW's usual good advice above - I would add that you keep a close eye on the water tell-tale and the engine temp. An 11 year old impeller is likely to have dried out and may break. If no water output or engine gets hot, shut it down pronto!!! I would expect a carb disassembly and cleaning will be needed.

-John

[Flip South Dakota]

A lot has to do with the way the boat was set up for storage. If the carbs were drained you might not have much of a gum problem, but more of a leak problem. Gaskets that are dried out leak like mad until they soak up some gas. I had a 5 1/2 that we didn't use for nearly 5 years and the only thing wrong was, the float in the carb was stuck shut, because we didn't store the motor in an up right position. Make sure you have a good battery and the connections are good, because you could fry your charging system.

Gas is a real good solvent so if you can get some flowing she should loosen up. You might want to run the oil on the strong side, at least for the first tank. Almost like re-breaking her in.

GOOD LUCK.

[RiverRat]

If your engine has mixture screws, mark there position and turn them out a half turn and then in a half turn in past there original settings.
This will (should) break any varnish or gum and get the fuel into the carbs.
I restarted a 1966 Evinrude after an 11 year outdoor storage. When it was stored nothing was done to "winterize" it. It took a while to get the fuel into the carbs etc.
If you need step by step instructions E-mail me and I'll walk you thru my start up.
Good Luck

[Smitty]

I would agree completely with REW on the fuel/carb comments. However, on the water system if you are planning to put the boat back into production use I would probably change the impeller no questions asked. That's a long time for the rubber to dry and harden and I wouldn't want to chance the impeller grenading while on the lake. If you are just going to get it running & store again just watch the water system closely as John said.
Good Luck.

[Tom]

Ken, I beg to differ and don't fully agree with anyone here. Be advised that if one of those carbs that Sea Foam is to be used on straves a cylinder for gas and the oil that is mixed in with it than you will have caused a scored cylinder. Carb gaskets do dry out and needles and seats do get clogged. Take it in to a certified shop and tell them what gives. You should have a tune up including carb rebuilds. Naturally new batteries. Check the steering cable make sure that it still steers loosely. When the tech runs the motor than you will know about the water pump impeller. Might cost 3 or 4 hundred dollars for the job but then it is surely better than ruining your first outing by possibly getting towed back and or doing internal damage to the motor by "giving it a try" on the waterways. Remember my advise is a free as the next guys and you pay for what you get. Tom

[ken perry]

Thanks guys, for the advice on restarting. Sounds like most bases were covered. I think taking it in to a tech is probably a good idea. Hearing from you guys, helps me know what I'm in for.

[AquaMan]

Bull butter! Follow REW's post. I would add that if there is concern over the pistons, pull the old spark plugs and spray some fogging solution in the plug holes. Then turn the flywheel by hand untill the motor has made 2 complete revolutions. Now put the new plugs in. This will add enough lub to the walls to prevent any scoreing. Otherwise, this motor should start and run fine.

As REW said, drain ALL old fuel and clean the tank to prevent water introduction or other contaminants.

If the motor will not start, THEN take it into a shop.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

--- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"

[bull butter Tom thats me !!!!]

Hey Aqua, So if one carb starves the motor for fuel and oil together you say a piston won't get scored ? Your advice is just as free as mine pal! Tom

[Rats]

I agree with Tom. Get your motor to a shop and at least get the carb(s) cleaned. I never heard of the problem with outboard motors, but when I was younger and used motorcycles a lot, I would hear of a jet getting fowled and inturn burning a hole in a piston. I am in the process of restoring a 1979 Honda XR185 motorcycle and am taking it to the shop to have the carb cleaned and the timeing checked. I think it is cheep insurance.

Good luck on your project.

[jim c]

1.pull plugs,squirt 2x oil in clyn,turn by hand 2.clean /drain carbs 3. pull flywheel/clean and set points 4.mix 2x oil and gas 32/1 5. reassemble &start

[Flip South Dakota]

No need to pull fly wheel and set points. That Merc does not have points, it has CD. Points went out in the late 60's to early 70's.

[Tom]

Jim C, There are no points-----Nor have there been any for over 25 years on that size motor.

[JIM C (not the same as above)]

I just saw this boat in the shop yesterday. Ken was pulling a water skier and the pistons scored. The boat mechanic didn't know why and wasn't sure what was done to the motor before running it. I posted this for info purposes only and not to embarrass anyone. Tough luck. JC

[IaCraig]

LAST EDITED ON Aug-20-00 AT 09:51PM (CST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Aug-20-00 AT 09:49*PM (CST)

#####, I would have bet the farm that fogging the pistons and using double Oil and fresh gas would have been sufficient. I'd be curious if the mechanic gives Ken an exact reason for the problem.

IaCraig

[Ken P]

that was me Jim. But this isnt the boat that was in storage that we're talking about. I was told by a couple different mechanics that Mercurys' auto-blend is eventually auto-trash engine. Their mechanics normally pull out(by pass) the auto blend units and premix the gas. Wish I had known. Whether this caused the scorched piston or the kids skiing or combination of both I dont know.