On 3 Apr 2007 16:22:46 -0700, "Tim" wrote:

I'm anticipating the crank seals needing replaced from sitting so
long.

Wouldn't a hotter plug be dangerous to the pistons?

Ah well - just goes to show you that I didnt read everything I should
have.

Was it stored properly? Winterized?

The first thing I would do in this circumstance is get some light
machine oil, remove the plugs and squirt the oil into the cylinders.
Rotate the engine by hand fora while to get some lubrication into the
rings and onto the cylinder walls. You might want to do a compression
check too just to make sure everything is seated properly once that is
done. Pulling the crank case might also be a good idea just to get
some lube onto the crank shaft, bearings and connecting rod - stuff
like that.

The seals could be a problem - probably worth your while to change
them if you have the time. Definetly the impeller in the lower unit.
And as long as you have it off, lube up the shift and drive shafts.

I might be suspicious of the carbs if they've been sitting for a long
time, although that may not be a problem. I know on older tractors
that I've restored I've always done the carbs just because even if the
tractor was running when I bought it.

Still a pretty good deal as is.

As to the hotter plug, I only mention that because of the extra oil.
If the engine is relatively newish, then don't use the extra oil -
50:1 is fine. And by hotter plug, I wasn't talking a really hot plug,
but just a tad higher than what is in there.