mercury 115hp 2 stroke metal shavings

[Chrisnwmsu]

I am considering purchasing a 1997 monarch pro 1700 with a 1996 mercury 115hp 2 stroke. boat is owned by older husband and wife. not used much in very good condition. Looks brand new for being 18+ yrs old.

One problem we took the hood off the engine and I was looking around. I noticed alum metal shavings on the port side. Shavings were on/near where the gear and throttle cables enter the engine compartment. See the pics.

The shavings are all contained in this area, do not appear to be coming from starter gear.

Should I be concerned?
Should I pass?
What are your thoughts?
any help would be great

 

[merc850]

Larger pictures would be better.

 

[quicktach]

Are you sure shavings are aluminum ? Tried a magnet? I tried to magnify a picture and it doesn't reveal much . Can you see where the filings come from or where there's been something rubbing or scraping? Up high ?

 

[Chrisnwmsu]

No Title

not much better not sure how to get bigger.

 

[quicktach]

Something rubbing above? Look at the flywheel area for signs. Pull the plugs and rotate the flywheel ...watching and listening. Check with a magnet. Use a trouble light and magnifier when looking.