Mercury 4 hp Please help

[Wet Paws]

Regretfully my father passed away. He had a 4 hp Mercury. The serial # is A816383, can anyone tell me what year this motor is?

I have tried in vain to start it but I believe because it has sat for a few years (5+) without being started it may be 'gummed' up inside. It has a small tank on top of the motor. After pulling and pulling ...I would expect it to be flooded but the plug seems dry. I removed the gas line going into the carb and there is fuel to this point. It does appear to have a spark- I removed the plug, attached the wire and pulled gently on the chord.
I can get it to fire for a few seconds if I spray stater fluid in the cylinder and / or in the carb but that is it. With it being a 2 stroke- gas/oil mix and sitting for so long is it likely gummed up and needs a carb job?

Thanks so much for any help.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Mercury 4 hp Please help

1987--Don't use starter fluid on a 2 stroke it will damage the engine, the carb and fuel system need to be cleaned

 

[Wet Paws]

Re: Mercury 4 hp Please help

Thank you very much Laddies. I will get it serviced. I appreciate the check on the year as well.

 

[stephash]

Re: Mercury 4 hp Please help

I inherited a 4 hp c 166736 it ran great for grandpa but had not been used in 8 years it think...how old is it and what sholud I do first before I try to start it up?