Posts: 3484
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
I see you are from the twin cities area...
Both of these projects are something that you might be able to do on your own.
If the motor has not given you any troubles, the extent of a tune-up would be replacing the spark plug, and adjusting the carb, with a long shot of getting decarbonized.
Here is what I suggest: go to your local marine dealer that sells mercury products and buy a can of mercury powertune. It is like seafoam in a pressurized can. With the hood off, get the motor started and warm. Then, set the motor at a higher idle. From there, spray the powertune into the carb throat (you may have to remove an air box first) a little at a time so the motor doesn't quite die, but will sputter. Then, after a little bit of that, spray in more until the motor dies, and continue spraying for another 3 - 4 seconds. Let the motor sit for a half hour or so.
After the half hour, restart the motor (you get to make white clouds for a bit). The motor will blow white smoke for a bit as it burns out the gunk and powertune. Once the motor is clear of all of the smoke, replace the spark plug.
Start the motor back up and let it idle for a bit. If the idle is rough, there will be a small set screw on the front that adjusts the fuel/air mixture. turn it 1/4 of a turn counterclockwise. If it sputters more, turn back to where you started and go 1/4 turn clockwise... If it sputters less, it is getting a better fuel mixture. If it sputters more, then the original position is extremely close to where it should be. The difference in how it runs when you turn that screw should be easily detected.
The lower unit consists of a few more steps, which might involve removing a screw for the shift linkage from the lower part of the engine...not hard, but can be a pain.
If you have time on Saturday and would be willing to bring the motor to hastings, we could do it together if you'd like...
Steve |
