turbotodd » 05 Apr 2014, 23:55[/url]"]Used to work on them until 1997 when we got out of the Merc business, thank goodness. The only downside is that since we got out of the Merc stuff and into Yamaha, honestly we don't make much on the outboard end of the service business. Kinda like the maytag repairman.
The 40ELPTO...IIRC was 4 cylinder 2 carb. As long as the linkages are set right, timing adjusted properly and everything synchronized (link & sync), they're not too bad. PT&T motors have been known to be problematic, just like many other mercs. About the only thing we never really had to mess with was the lower unit.
Also keep in mind that fuel plays a huge role, specifically the change in fuel formulation over the last ~10 years. They weren't designed to run E-10 in the early '90's and definitely werent designed for oxygenated fuel-which is what we have now-and goes sour in a couple weeks.
I always liked the sound of the inline 4 2 stroke, not as nice as the inline 6 but they didn't sound bad
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Thanks turbotod,
I have been off line and forgot my pass word. Appreciate the response. I have found a 07 50 ELPTO merc with 32 hours on it but have to drive 6 hours for the motor. I am prob. going to seal the deal this weekend. Found on Craigs list but the seller has offered a water trial before purchase so I feel more assured.
Let me know what you think about that particular motor plz!