Starting a Motor for the first time in 2 years

[Ray Esboldt]

We're going to call a boat back into service that has sat for 2+ seasons this weekend. The motor is a '89 4 cylinder 45 hp Mercury. The motor has been inside a heated area (not 100%moisture free) environment during its shelf time. It was properly stored (gas run out, cylinder and carb fogging) before its brief retirement. Are there any things I should think about doing prior to turning the motor over? I am relatively sure we will end up draining the gas from the tank (even though stabilizer was added). But, what else?

[john.wells]

At least check the lube in lower unit, if not change it. Otherwise, I am sure things should be good. Just be sure to have water going through the system (muffs, or submerged in tank or lake) before even attempting to start it.

[Ray Esboldt]

Thanks, John. Those items are definitely in the plans.

Any thing I should do/look for on the top end of the motor?

[Sandmannd]

Maybe change out the plugs after the first time or two you use it. Keep the old for spares. Saved my butt this year already to have the spares.

[Basseyes]

Check the fuel lines. They can get brittle over time. Other than that if it was run out of gas and fogged you should be good. Maybe put a bit of seafoam in the gas cause she's gunna smoke a bit at first getting rid of all that fogging. I have a couple smaller motors I use for duck hunting. It amazes me how they sit for so long and still fire right up. Running them out of gas and fogging is so simple yet so important. Would suggest fresh non oxy fuel.

[IFallsRon]

Pull the plugs and spray fogging oil into the cylinders. Let the oil do it's job, pull the rope a few times and spray in some more. Fresh gas and you should be ready to go.

[polarsusd81]

Ray, another thing to check. Pull the air filter off and check for any kind of mouse nest. It will probably be okay, but just a quick check is easy and could save you some trouble. Make sure your plug wires still have good connection, and check out your fuel filter. Just a couple simple things, but should make firing up a bit easier and you wont have to worry about those parts.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Ray, I would pull the plugs, shoot in some fogging oil or Marvel Mystery Oil, and turn the motor over by hand with the plugs off just to make sure she's loose.

Check air inlets and exhaust ports for rodents and other "Visitors."

Change gas, check fuel lines and filters, replace plugs, change lower unit oil.

After that, rope er over and see what happens.

Good luck.

[Ray Esboldt]

Thanks, guys. I had most of those on my agenda. I will add the additional squirts of fogger in the cylinder before firing it.

I had never let any motor sit that long. I just wanted to make sure I didn't need to do some ancient dance and funnel a half dozen Pabst before cranking it.

Everyone, have a fun and safe Memorial Weekend (and don't foget what Monday is really about).

[marine_man]

I just wanted to make sure I didn't need to do some ancient dance and funnel a half dozen Pabst before cranking it.

You only have to do that if it doesn't want to start. Do the dance, then you're assured it'll start. Might need to substitute Schmidt with the Pabst first though... Pabst is too high test for that motor.

marine_man

[BoxMN]

Hey Ray,

Great motor! I would maybe buy and have a new fuel line and bulb (the whole assembly) handy as you might need it. If not, then you can return it, but maybe will save you some time. Also on that motor, remember that you need the vent open on the 6 gallon can, not closed. You prolly know that, but have seen and helped many people with that motor who had the vent closed, or it rattled closed.

Have fun!

[Eric Wettschreck]

A good crafstman uses good tools.

Pabst my friend, do not substitute.

[boatfixer]

Miller also puts out a good line of products. Seeing that it's a Mercury, I'd probably go High Life on this one. And if she don't go right away, I strongly suggest firing up a Robusto.

[Ray Esboldt]

So, all the mental prep and we never even got that old boat and motor near the water. I ended up bringing my rig, forgot to buy Pabst (it wasn't on my mind), almost tipped over a trailered pontoon (we might use the public access next time instead of the uneven yard access), and never really danced much. However, I thank you guys for all the advice. Maybe next weekend? It would be nice to save the 2 miles a gallon in the truck without the boat.

[Eric Wettschreck]

forgot to buy Pabst

Dude, shame on you.

[fishlips]

You mention running the gas out. On a boat with a built-in fuel tank, what is the best way to keep it over the winter? I will definately add Stable and run that thru the system, but should I keep the gas tank empty, full, 1/2 full over the winter?

[Walleyeguy32]

I always fill the tank before I store it for the winter and then add the stabil and run it through. It has worked great for me doing this the last three years.