storing outboard

Tony,
Provided you run it out of fuel, I don't think there would be an issue. The oil in the leg gearbox should not be a concern.
John

I have always stored my 15hp merc laying down, never had a problem
Cheers

I have mine lying down in box in CT - 18hp Tohatsu. No problems so far. When I was looking for outboards and explained how I intended to use and store it, I was advised that ok with 2 stroke motors but not to try with 4stroke as not as robust or forgiving for what I intended.

Alan

The thing with two stroke outboards is that a little of the cooling water can remain in the legs exhaust passage. If the motor is stored with the head lower than the prop then there is a possibility of that water running back into the cylinder via the exhaust port.
I store mine ('96 merc 9.9) on its back, with the prop facing down. That way it takes the smallest footprint (other than being upright) but it must be restrained or it will fall over if its kept in a vehicle.
Klaus

Tony ,
There is a right way and a wrong way to lay them on their side . Last time I was at the Merc. servicing place he told me which was the right way , but the oldtimers has set in and I have forgotten - go to a dealer and ask the mechanic because one of the ways is a real no no .
Most people in campers have a bracket that lets them clamp the motor on like it would be when it is swung up on the transom of the boat . This would be best for the internals and stops it moving around .

Tony,

There should be a decal on your outboard indicating the correct way to lay it down.
The motor should be layed on its side, with the control handle underneath.

Having said that, I mount mine on a bracket welded to the rear tailgate, next to the spare tyre. Keeps it upright, the same as if it was mounted on the boat.

This is no worse than if I was towing the boat with the motor already mounted.

G'day Tony,

I mount mine inside the tinnie on its side and this has not been a problem. As previously mentioned it is important to make sure that the engine is dry. I found that this is not hard really as the boat and motor would never get loaded so quickly after use. Also the tropical heat soon got rid of any moisture. The issue is that in 2 strokes this water can find its way into the combustion chamber and we all know this is no good.

Always made it a point to get the motor vertical as soon as practical and give it a start.

Kind regards

Tony

Yes check with a Merc service dealer, but lying down is far more secure for offroad as you will get far less whip when going over humps and bumps. I cannot remember whether prop facing up or down.

Toby

Tony W, I have had my 15 hp mercury 2stroke since 2000 with a trip every year up territory or the cape,always carried it in a half box,with the prop facing down,never had a problem with it,the motor end sits in the box with foam glued to sides of box,still looks like new.
Friar.

thanks for all your worldy advice,seems its alright to go on its side prop done
but will check with dealer to double check .thanks to all who contributed.

Hi tony, I flipped a trailer in NT last year 3 times and the outbourd was on its side at the front of the trailer. It was fine and it still going fine. I got a big piece of foam and cut out the shape of the out bourd. This stopped it from inpact. Deano