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susie
New member
Username: skoenen
Post Number: 1
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 10:30 am: | 
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what should be done to a motor that has been sitting for 2 years before using. It's a 90 hp Mercury Force |
Graham Lamb
Senior Member
Username: galamb
Post Number: 5636
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 11:38 am: |
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BEFORE you attempt to start it, assuming it was working when it was layed up and it doesn't look like it has been damaged during storage:
If you have the ability/knowledge some basic ohm tests of the ignition system can be done first. That may determine whether not you want to proceed. The ignition system on that particular model can be very expensive to replace and may be deemed more than the value of the engine.
If it's ok, or you choose to proceed without testing then:
Remove the spark plugs and either spray in some fogging oil or even put in a teaspoon of outboard oil to get some lubrication in the cylinders, and then with the sparkplugs still out, turn the motor over by hand (rotate the flywheel) to make sure it's not "frozen" and that everything gets a bit of lube.
At this point, if you plan on doing a compression test, this is a good time. Again, a rebuild is costly, a compression test may cause you to change your mind about the motor.
If the compression is good, or you choose to proceed then:
Change the impeller and oil in the lower unit
Replace the sparkplugs with new ones.
Check all the wires and hoses "under the hood". Look for cracks, frays, corrosion, make sure no "critters" chewed anything. Clean up/tighten up any exposed contacts.
There is a 50/50 chance that the carbs are clogged if they weren't prepped/drained prior to storage. Removal, disassembly and thorough cleaning wouldn't hurt them in any case - they may need to be rebuilt as well.
They can be done at this point, or you can try and start the motor first - you may get lucky and they will be ok.
The number one (or 2) cause of blown powerheads is a clog in the fuel system. This model has old Tillotson carbs. They are leaky at the best of times and not all parts for them are still available, so they should be taken care of. If they are at all suspect, clean them thoroughly - and no additive from a can will do that.
If everything looks good, then you can mix some fresh gas and TCW3 rated marine 2 stroke oil at a ratio of 50:1, put the motor on a flushing device or in a large pail of water, and try firing it up with a fully charged battery.
NEVER rev up the motor if it's on a flushing device (ears, muffs whatever you want to call them) - nothing above idle speed or you can damage the motor due to overheat.
If the motor won't idle, dies, idles rough etc (and you didn't clean the carbs), then now is the time to do it.
It is a bit of work, costs a few bucks and it takes some time to get a motor ready to fire up when it's been sitting.
But if you rush you could end up with 350 pounds of scrap metal very quickly - a motor can fry itself in a few seconds if it's not "ready" to start up. |
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