Starting NEW Outboard after 11 years storage

[HenryPF]

So, long story short, I have inherited a 2008 Tracker 1654 with a 40hp Mercury 4-Stroke tiller and have a question I can't seem to find a google answer on.

 

Anything I should worry about when I start this motor for the first time?

 

Here is the kicker before you reply - the motor is brand new. Boat, motor, and trailer has never touched the water and has been garage kept for the last 11 years in the Midwest (Chicagoland) area.

 

From google searches, the obvious doesn't seem too obvious - change oil, impeller, etc. but the thing is brand new which is throwing me for a loop.

 

Due to the temps here in Chicagoland, I wont be starting this until April / May 2019 and until I have the boat setup so plenty of time to bring this to a dealer to have it looked at if i must. This is also my 4th boat, so not new to having a fishing boat.

 

 

[A-Jay]

Not knowing the circumstance, I hope saying Congrats on the new rig, isn't out of line.

Interesting situation . . . 

So there's zero hours ~  Not even a break-in ?

Where just the simple passage of time, depending on how & where it's been stored, may result in some concerns, I'd probably take it to a Merc dealer.  Let them give it a once over, as well as offer it any TLC it may need.

They can get it running right and you can start with a clean slate & perhaps more importantly, peace of mind.

 

Or, I guess you could, check the oil & lower unit, add fresh gas, fire it up and hope for the best. 

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

[iabass8]

Assuming there wasn't gas in the tank, you should be fine. I would probably change the LU oil...after sitting for 11 years...for piece of mind. Water pump is probably fine but the impeller may need to be replaced. Hard to say though. Brand new motor after sitting for 11 years is a new one to me. The impeller is the only thing I can think to worry about but that's an easy enough job you can do quick on a 40hp in a few minutes. Swap the LU oil, fresh gas, and fire it up fingers crossed. Congrats on the new rig. Make sure you follow the motor break in to the T. Not that there's any warranty left but you can probably find the break in somewhere online. 

[slonezp]

Could be internal rust, maybe not?

The impeller is rubber and will need to be replaced. If the motor has a built in oil tank, I'd remove and replace the 2 stroke oil. New lower unit oil. 

[RHuff]

My biggest worry would be the seals and gas line both could be dry rotted.  Other than that just a routine service.. Make sure you run an additive such as seafoam in fresh gasoline. It should start up okay just be real careful with it the first few times you actually kick it into gear and run it. 

[tander]

My first thoughts would be to fire it up and try it out. I think I would really take it to a dealer and let them check it out and get it running. Since you got it for free, spending several hundred dollars is pretty cheap for a brand new boat.

[Jig Man]

Don't fool around with this.  Take it to a good tech and have it done right.

[Russ E]

39 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Not knowing the circumstance, I hope saying Congrats on the new rig, isn't out of line.

Interesting situation . . . 

So there's zero hours ~  Not even a break-in ?

Where just the simple passage of time, depending on how & where it's been stored, may result in some concerns, I'd probably take it to a Merc dealer.  Let them give it a once over, as well as offer it any TLC it may need.

They can get it running right and you can start with a clean slate & perhaps more importantly, peace of mind.

 

Or, I guess you could, check the oil & lower unit, add fresh gas, fire it up and hope for the best. 

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

^^This. My last boat had a new motor that sat for 6 years. When we pumped the bulb to pressurize the lines, gas ran out the exhaust. It was a 2 stroke 50hp mercury. Before I bought it we took it to a mercury dealer. the motor was fine, but the carburetor had to be cleaned and seals replaced. after that I ran it hard for 10 years before trading the boat.

[Way2slow]

It was most likely test run by the dealer before delivery to the customer, meaning there would have been fuel left in the system.  11 year old fuel can create major issues and unless you know motors pretty good, or have a friend that does, it will probably require a trip to the shop.  Definitely will require a new water pump impeller and a through inspection of all lubrication points to make sure the grease hasn't dried out, and all rubber parts will need to be inspected to make sure they have not become dry and brittle.

All wiring and hoses in the boat and motor need to be inspected to make sure those pesky little grey furry creatures haven't moved in and made it a mouse condo.

A new set of tires on the trailer will be required also.

[22RangerZ520R]

10 hours ago, Jig Man said:

Don't fool around with this.  Take it to a good tech and have it done right.

^^^ This ^^^

[JLBBass]

take it to a dealer, and have them give it a thorough checkover! 

[HenryPF]

On 1/27/2019 at 8:30 PM, Jig Man said:

Don't fool around with this.  Take it to a good tech and have it done right.

 

I think I shall go this route - as it should take me around about a year to break in the motor to put in any hours on it and BPS (closet marine dealer near me) is right around the corner. Tires have no dry rot on them and look brand new, but I will have them check that also.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone.