Mike G wrote:

Assuming you mean whether or not water is getting into the lower unit if
you've only run the unit in a trash can of water. You're right, it isn't
exactly a definitive test but if the engine had only sat for a season
I'd say your probably ok but three years?

well, it sat before for 18 years (at least). The exhaust had far more
water in it than another engine of the same vintage that I have. It
was pretty much consistant spitting out a lot of water when it was
running.

I don't know if that the water pump was working fine, but it seemed to
be spitting out a lot of water.


Gaskets dry out, sealers get brittle, metal shrinks and expands. If you
got no water in the lower unit in the trash can you may be alright but
that could prove to be an expensive may be.

true, but since it's (as of right now) just an extra engine (might be a
"parts" engine for the 62). Someday I might rebuild it (if the parts
are still available at a reasonable price).

Then of course there is the water pump impeller sitting down there, when
did that get changed last?

no idea if it's ever been replaced. My uncle had it for a while, but I
doubt he changed it ever. I know we've never changed the one our older
boat (the 62).

Personally, after having the boat sitting unused for that length of time
I'd take the safe route, bite the bullet, drop the lower unit and
replace the water pump and seal everything up anew. It's cheap
insurance.

I might do that someday, and if it's easier than I think, I'd probably
do it with the other one too.

Choice two, launch it and baby it around for ten or fifteen hours. If it
doesn't overheat on you and you show no signs of water in the lower end
oil put off the job till next season.

Sometimes, without proper preparation, it's tougher on an engine to sit
idle for years then it is for it to be run during the same period.

Best of luck what ever route you chose.

--
Mike G.
Heirloom Woods

www.heirloom-woods.net