Outboard not used since '05. Need to do anything special before starting?

duffer1960 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008

I have a 2 HP Honda 4 stroke that hasn't been used since late summer '05. The only things I did to winterize it was drain the gas from the float bowl and store it in my basement where it has been ever since. It wasn't pickled for long term storage because we didn't plan to NOT use it. With all that said, is there anything I should do before I try to start it, or should I just pull the cord and let 'er rip (as much as a 2HP can rip)? Thanks.

lbdavis · #2 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008

It'll probably just rip.

I'd pull the plugs and put a couple drops oil in the cylinders then give it a couple of easy pulls to lube things a bit. This should have been done before it's three year slumber to reduce rust...

New plugs, fuel, oil, and lower-unit oil would be good ideas, too...

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008

replace the impeller. It has probably dried out and taken a good set in three years.

speciald · #4 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008

Take off the carborator and clean it in addition to above.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008

To sum up:

Replace Impeller,
Change oil, oil filter, lower unit gear oil
Replace spark plugs
Clean carb
Replace fuel with fresh gasoline

arbarnhart · #6 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008

I just bought a 2 stroke 5HP motor that had been stored dry for a few years. Added the fluids and it cranked right up. I have since used it and it runs fine. Water is circulating fine, plug was fine and I changed the lower unit grease (odd little motor; it is grease, not oil) but it really didn't need it. I am not saying you won't need to replace some things, but I would not assume things are bad just from the passage of time.

reprive42 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008

I'm a serv manager for a honda dealer do what sailingdog recommends I would also pickup a product called yamaha ringfree it will help free up rings and valves after ext storage it can be used as a maint or shock treatment after 3 years storage I would shock it make sure you change the oil after a shock treatment
and use a marine grade oil

duffer1960 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008

reprive42,
Do you just pour some of the ringfree into the cylinder? The reason I ask is because I found a place that has some and they told me it is a fuel additive.

merttan · #9 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by arbarnhart

I just bought a 2 stroke 5HP motor that had been stored dry for a few years. Added the fluids and it cranked right up. I have since used it and it runs fine. Water is circulating fine, plug was fine and I changed the lower unit grease (odd little motor; it is grease, not oil) but it really didn't need it. I am not saying you won't need to replace some things, but I would not assume things are bad just from the passage of time.

Some people are just plain lucky...

duffer1960 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-27-2008

Well, I bought some standard spray in carb and engine cleaner, removed the plug, shot some in, pulled it a few times, and let it sit for a couple of hours. I put the plug back in, mounted it on a sawhorse with the shaft in a trash can full of water, pulled the cord and it fired right up on the first pull. Water pumped out and everything. No worries!