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  #1   IP: 174.25.42.124
Old 08-30-2015, 09:33 PM
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40 year old outboard never been started

I just acquired a 5 HP outboard from the 70's that has never been started. It is brand new just a bit out of date, not even a drop of fuel was put through the tank. Before I put it on the dingy and give it a go is there anything I should do to it, assuming any lubricants from the factory are long dried up.
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  #2   IP: 73.55.14.104
Old 08-30-2015, 09:39 PM
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do you have a separate gas tank?

Take the plugs out and squirt lots of oil in, and spin the engine, and repeat. I would maybe just hook up the carb and give it a try after a lot of oil. The float might stick, open or closed. Check for spark while the plugs are out. Those coils deteriorate over time.

change the lower unit oil. Run it in a tank first. Use a lot of oil in the gas mix at first.


what engine is it specifically?
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  #3   IP: 32.211.28.40
Old 08-30-2015, 09:53 PM
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Sounds like quite the find! How heavy is it?
Not knowing how the engine was stored, changing the lower unit lube is not a bad idea. If it has a real water pump, you should also treat it to a new impeller. You can also remove the propeller, fasten the engine to a saw horse, and stick the lower end in a trash barrel to run it.
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  #4   IP: 73.55.14.104
Old 08-30-2015, 10:25 PM
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oh yeah, the water pump will be shot. Impeller anyway.

A couple vanes will have a permanent set, but the others may push the water.
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  #5   IP: 72.194.217.248
Old 08-31-2015, 01:42 AM
JOHN COOKSON JOHN COOKSON is offline
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If you plan on using the original tank put ~1 quart of gas in it and slosh it around then pour it out to be sure there is no rust or what have you in it.

TRUE GRIT
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Old 08-31-2015, 06:50 AM
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Be sure and replace all the fuel lines with ones rated A1 to withstand the ethanol now in gas. The ones in there are most definitely NOT alcohol-rated!
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  #7   IP: 24.138.22.213
Old 08-31-2015, 08:28 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chiron View Post
I just acquired a 5 HP outboard from the 70's that has never been started. It is brand new just a bit out of date, not even a drop of fuel was put through the tank. Before I put it on the dingy and give it a go is there anything I should do to it, assuming any lubricants from the factory are long dried up.
Change all lubricants like you said and run it very easy. You will need to run the engine through a break in period...a little idle, then under load at slow speed, back down, then take it up to speed under load for a very short period, then drive it around for day or so normally...helps the rings set in nicely. A decent effort on breaking in a new engine can add years to it. One of the main things we don't want to do is run it hard right away for any length of time.
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Last edited by Mo; 08-31-2015 at 08:32 AM.
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  #8   IP: 68.60.179.71
Old 09-01-2015, 04:53 PM
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I have lots of experience with motors of this vintage. I strongly concur on:

1. Water pump impeller
2. Rubber fuel lines
3. Inspect fuel tank
4. Replace lower unit lube.



Let me add:
5. Inspect coils. OMC motors and some others with epoxy covered coils sometimes fail due to age. The epoxy will fail first and the coil may even provide spark, but if you see cracks or epoxy flaking off, replace the coil. No matter how good the spark it will fail VERY soon.
5.5 Clean points if it has breaker point ignition.
6. Carb float and gas tank guage float. Many 1970's floats are cork with a varnish or shellac covering of some kind. I usually replace with a new plastic float, but sometimes paint the old floats with superglue or model airplane dope. At any rate, the float covering will dissolve in modern gas and the float will stop floating, causing it to flood the engine.

Break IN:
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations. DO NOT use synthetic two stroke oil, it is too slippery and the rings will not set properly. However, I recommend switching to full synthetic after the break in period.
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Last edited by marthur; 09-01-2015 at 04:56 PM.
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