[OP]
Member
About 10 years ago someone donated a Mariner 4hp motor to my son's rowing club. The guy who maintained the club's motors cleaned it up, and they decided they had no use for it. So they gave it to me. (in appreciation of all the work I did for them, I suppose) I took it because I was hoping to get a sailboat.
Well, I am finally going to get the sailboat. Is the motor likely to still work?
Any advice on this would be appreciated.
Member
It's made by Mercury isn't it....of course it's likely to still work! (Provided you didn't leave fuel in it all those years)
"When the horse is dead, GET OFF."
Contributor
Mercury made some changes to the drive shafts because the exhaust ate them. Pull the lower half off and check that. It could be expensive if it needs replacing.
Never, under any circumstances, consume a laxative and sleeping pill, on the same night
Member
Only one way to find out! I would drain any fuel, then add a cap of oil to the cylinder and turn over a couple of times hand. Add some fresh fuel and give it a yank. In a water tank of course...
Contributor
If it doesn't fire up fairly quickly, rebuild the carb. The best thing for putting a kit in a small carburetor is a white dish pan. I'd only run non-ethanol in it.
[OP]
Member
I was told it was in great condition when they gave it to me, and I don't think they were dumb enough to leave gas in it.
When you say put a cap of oil in the cylinder, you mean in the spark plug hole?
Contributor
Even if it had gas in it I wouldn't get too worried just yet.
A friend of mine bought a storage locker for $25 and inside was a two stroke Toro snow blower.
The thing had to have been in there a good 10 years with a half tank of fuel.
He topped the tank of with gas/oil and the thing started right up.
I gave him $25 for the thing three years ago & it still starts and runs great.
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon
Contributor
Is there any other way to do it, short of pulling the head off?Originally Posted by Wade Lippman
Never, under any circumstances, consume a laxative and sleeping pill, on the same night
[OP]
Member
If I knew that I wouldn't have asked.
Member
Yes, just add a little oil through the spark plug hole, just like you were fogging it for winter.
I would also run a strong dose of seafoam through the first couple tanks of gas, assuming she fires. Good luck!
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