Lure Action Controller wrote:

The trouble is,, he did not run the gas out of the carburetor,, it has
been two years since the boat has run,, when I picked it up I noticed
the gas line attached to the motor. I have not tried to start this
engine yet (50 Hp Merc.) What should I do first ???????????????????


Hook the engine up to a garden hose with water muffs at home for
engine cooling water, or submerge the foot in a garbage can full of
water. Try to start the engine. Charge the battery, or pull the
start rope.

If it won't go, check for spark by pulling a plug and resting it
against the block while you crank and look for a spark at the plug
tip. If spark is OK then check the carb bowl syphon for a gasoline
varnish blister at the bottom of the fuel pickup tube. Prick it
with a pin or scratch it off with a fingernail, then try again. This
worked for me after my boat sat for a year and the gas in the carb
evaporated, leaving a hard blister sealing off the fuel pickup.

You might need to clean or renew the jets and float needle and seat
valve. You might need a carb kit installation / rebuild.

Some would suggest that old gas won't burn. I say that's hooie. If
the tank was not full, it may have gotton contaminated with water
condensation if the vent was left open. You would then need to
remove the water. Pour the water out the vent hole into a pop
bottle. You should easily see when all the water has come out.

If it starts, check the cooling water tell tale ****er. Do not run
it if there is no water coming out. You would then need to change
the pump impeller, for which you must remove the foot. It is not
real difficult, but a shop manual would help.

Then, change the oil in the foot gear case, just for luck. If you
find water (milky oil) in the foot gears, dissassemble the foot,
check for corrosion and renew the gaskets.

Terry K