Testing 69' Merc 500

[jamiei]

I just about have my boat finished and have my Merc ready to test it out. I haven't ran it in a little over a year and want to test it out as much as possible before I get it out on the water. I replaced the impeller about 2 years ago and assume its in ok shape. One question I have is does anyone know if this motor has a thermostat? The engine seems to be in good shape and I want to hook up my muffs and make sure the cooling system is working ok. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have the linkages hooked up and adjusted pretty well I think. What all can I do just using muffs and how long can I run it with just them? Thanks guys... I'll add a link to my site with some pics of my boat and engine too. Its a 79' venture that I got really cheap and am making into a decent fishing boat. jamie@athenshomesolutions.com

 

[NathanY]

Re: Testing 69' Merc 500

When it comes to an impellor you can not assume anything. Go ahead and replace it. It is probably all dried out and might break into pieces the first time you start your engine.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Testing 69' Merc 500

No thermostat on Mercs until later years. The cylinders & exhaust plate should be just a bit warmer than the lake water. There's no real time limit to running in on the muffs (unless you run your well dry...).

 

[jamiei]

Re: Testing 69' Merc 500

yeah, I think I'll replace the impeller again just in case. What all gaskets need to be replaced along with it? I can't remember what all I got. Just tried to fire it up and had a couple problems... one, it didn't fire up and two, I have a leak in the fuel line from cyl 1 to cyl three. A little slice in the line which seemed to get a good flow of fuel at least. Any ideas on why it isn't cranking? I took out the spark plugs and turned it over a few times and replaced them. I know its getting fuel and it seems to be turning over pretty good, just isn't lighting up. Thanks again.

 

[jamiei]

Re: Testing 69' Merc 500

well, it fired up like it was brand new the first time I plugged up the kill switch after I replaced the section of fuel line... sometimes its the simple things that get you... I cut it off as soon as it fired up and noticed a puff of smoke out of the center of the prop. Is this normal or is the exhaust gasket or something bad? I want to order the impeller and whatever other parts I may need for it today so I can hopefully get it on the water this weekend. Thanks for any advice or suggestions.

 

[jamiei]

Re: Testing 69' Merc 500

I'm using fresh gas and 50:1 mixture by the way. Any recommendations for where to buy parts? There's no Mercury dealer around here.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Testing 69' Merc 500

Hi Jamie,<br /> Basic maintenance stuff is available at NAPA - stuff like carb kits, fuel pump kits, waterpump kits, seals, etc. Might have to stick the guy behind the counter with a cattle prod to get him to admit they have a marine parts catalog, but they do and it's a good one...<br />- Scott

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Testing 69' Merc 500

I think these folks are pretty reasonable:<br /><br /> http://www.boatingsolutions.com <br /><br />TWM

 

[jamiei]

Re: Testing 69' Merc 500

thanks scott, the napa advice was great. There's one right down the street and they'll have my impeller and fuel pump kits in first thing in the morning. I just took the prop off and confirmed that I have a slight bend in the prop shaft. I also have water in the lower unit lube so I'm replacing the seals to try and stop it. I have never felt any vibration from the bent prop shaft but is this something I need to address asap? I'm not sure if the prop is right for my boat (15'6 bass boat) or not either... the number on the prop is 48-38094-12 and its a 3 blade. When I took the prop nut and "spanner?" nut off behind it I noticed that rubber bushing around the shaft tube is cut about halfway around. Is this a replaceable seal/bushing? After I pulled the prop there was a splined seal or spacer of some sort (sorry I don't know the tech name for it... don't have a manual yet) and then there was a seal on the prop shaft. I'm about to drop the lower unit and want to know what all I need to replace for it. Napa didn't have a schematic of the prop shaft seals but did have part numbers. If I need to replace the shaft, how much can I expect to pay and how do I go about pulling the shaft. Thanks again guys.

 

[jamiei]

Re: Testing 69' Merc 500

these prices do seem really good tim. I'll buy from them from now on...