I have a 4hp Chrysler Outboard which I got from my Uncle last year. Its currently sitting outside clamped on a stand . I havent ever run this motor since Ive owned it and im not sure the last time it was operated. How much(if any) harm will occur by the motor being left outdoors,and the rain getting on it. My theory(which may be wrong) is; Its exposed to water anyway when its being run on a lake,so how much harm can rain do to it?  Am I wrong in this thought process?  If I am wrong please dont beat me up too much!!

Thanks!!

the rain wont do anything to your motor, but just in case you might want to purchase a small motor cover to protect it from the elements.

If I'm not mistaken outboards are designed to use in water; many of my friends on the Bend leave their boat in the water year round in a boat shed and yes they still get wet from rain storms.  

Mine stay in the rain for the most part.  Now, the boat tarps are big enough to cover them, and usually do, but the 4 horse evinrude on the 12 footer, when it gets used, stays uncovered in the rain.  When we fish elec only lakes, it goes inside, only cause it gets clamped to something, that is inside, not out.