Need help starting 1983 Mercury 9.8 hp

[Firetiger]

My neighbor gave me a 1983 Mercury 9.8 hp outboard.

He doesn’t think the outboard has more than 40 hours on it. He might be right, the engine is very clean.

He remembers changing the oil in the lower unit but doesn’t remember when. He doesn’t remember when the last time the outboard was run. He did run the carburetor dry so carburetor should be clean.

What would you recommend to check, change or replace before attempting to start the outboard?

[SalmonAddict]

1) see if it turns over
2) see if there's spark at spark plugs
3) compression test both cylinder

If all those are good, pull choke and pull rope. Should work.

[Amx]

1) see if it turns over
2) see if there's spark at spark plugs
3) compression test both cylinder

4 - fill gas tank.

If all those are good, pull choke and pull rope. Should work.

Fixed.

[dwh4784]

Thank God he ran it dry. Nothing worse than rotten gasoline. The smell alone makes my chin hairs fall off.

[Greenfishnut]

check the rope for fraying or weak spots

[Larry3215]

I always install new plugs, new fuel filter and air filter if it has one, and make sure I have fresh gas with fresh mix. Then check the oil in the lower unit and replace it as well with fresh.

I would also plan on replacing the water pump impeller and the associated seals and gaskets. After sitting that long it needs replacing.