70's (?) 40HP Merc model 402......

mark in new jersey

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
167
For reasons too convoluted to bore you with, my grandmother's '53 Evinrude has been laying in the mud behind a guy's barn for about 20 years. I want to rebuild it, so I recently visited this guy & reclaimed it. It's rough, but there's no doubt in my mind that I can make it purr like a kitten!!

Behind the barn, along side the Evinrude was a 40HP Merc 402. It's frozen, it's missing cowling parts, he didn't know when it last ran, he didn't know the history, but he offered it, so I took it.

The Evinrude, "Grandma's Evinrude", is a labor of love, and it's perfect for my very-small boat needs.

The Merc? Not so much.

The Evi is progressing nicely! By contrast, the Merc is lying in the middle of my garage like a beached whale.

My questions:

- I have no real need....do I even bother with it? Is it an engine that's worthy of attention? (I've read & heard less-than-wonderful things about 70's Mercs)
- Is it worth it to try to sell it "as is"? Or even part it out? Craigslist "Free" section?
- Any iboat forum members in NJ want to come & take it? Buy me coffee & it's yours for free.

I'm open to suggestions....

ps: it comes with a brand new electrical umbilical
 
Top