1979 Mercruiser 140

Dman1252

Cadet
Joined
Mar 3, 2014
Messages
6
I am going to rebuild my 1979 Mercruiser 140, the oil is milky colored and there was rust flakes inside the hoses and where the carb mounts on. Any suggestions?
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: 1979 Mercruiser 140

Hello Dman and welcome aboard.

First thing is to find out WHY your oil is milky. If it's a cracked block, rebuilding won't fix it, it'll need a new block...
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,464
Re: 1979 Mercruiser 140

I am going to rebuild my 1979 Mercruiser 140, the oil is milky colored and there was rust flakes inside the hoses and where the carb mounts on. Any suggestions?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Lets do some Testin', 'n Diagnosin' to see what's Ok, 'n what needs Fixin',...

The milky oil is a red flag for a frozen busted block, so lets start with a coolin' jacket pressure test,...

Pictures sure would Help,...
Postin' instructions are pinned at the top of the Tech, Non-boatin' forum,...
 
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Dman1252

Cadet
Joined
Mar 3, 2014
Messages
6
Re: 1979 Mercruiser 140

Thanks!! So I noticed that one of the freeze plugs was popped out so I'm assuming the owner before me let water get into the engine, he took the carb off and had it in a box and that's how I got it all. I bought the boat which is a 1979 Chaparral 167 with the trailer and engine for $300. I wanted a spring project so I said what the heck... The floor was all rotted and the foam was moldy and saturated as well. I will post some pics as soon as I can take some good ones.
 

bonzoscott

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Messages
745
Re: 1979 Mercruiser 140

I think you indeed have a project! It sure sounds like the motor is beyond repair. Check for water in your drive. And if the floor + stringers (probably transom) are rotted, it'll be a long time before the boat is sea worthy. Spend some time searching the forums like this one and especially the Restore forum to size up what you're looking at.
 
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