Question..

[DoubleB]

If you've read in the other forum, I've just bought a boat. The boat hasn't seen the water in 3 years. It's been garage kept and before it was parked, all the fuel was ran out of it, with an additional fuel filter in the line. Other than a new battery, what other steps should I take in a test run with the motor? Test will be performed in the yard, bottom of the motor in a barrel of water, of coarse. What kind of hiccups can I expect?

 

[BackOnTheWater]

3 main concerns...lower unit gear lube, water pump and impeller, and fuel lines. All almost definately need to be replaced, along with the spark plugs. 3 years of inactivity and all of the rubber/ elastomer stuff has dry-rotted.

You can buy a gizmo at Walmart to hook a water hose to the water intake on the engine...simple to use.

Drain and re-fill the lower unit. If the fluid drained is milky, you have a seal problem, so DO NOT put it into gear until problem solved.

If the water pump does not work well, you will overheat and possible burn up the engine. I guarantee that the impeller is sufferring from compression set, and will not work for long if at all.

You can get tubing at an auto parts store to replace the fuel lines before you have fuel spraying everywhere.

That's a start...welcome to my nightmare.

 

[BackOnTheWater]

I would advise that you have a pro look at your engine and let you know what all has to be done. I will PM you with who I use...it will cost roughly $75 to get a clear picture. I'm not a gearhead, so I had most of this initial work done on my engine by a repair facility.

I'm still learning, but would be glad to meet you and take a look...I had all of these problems, so at least I know the main things to look for, and what you might do yourself and what you might have to pay to have done.

I seriously advise against running it at all before taking care of a few relatively easy tasks.
Let me know if I can help...

 

[DoubleB]

Thanks for the info! Please send methat PM.

 

[Guest]

Water pump most definitely even if it checks out good. Even if it was never set up. Three years is pushing the limit of the pump life no matter what. They are very inexpensive but if they go down while you are running there goes the motor.

Cheez

 

[Bass Addict]

Great advice BOTW, That was well put and I agree 100 %.emoThumbsup

 

[Triton4Bass]

If it was stored and taken care of in that matter I agree w/ the other guys. Run some good gas (93) in it and it may not hurt to change the spark plugs. Definately check everything else mentioned by the other guys, they know what there talking about..... Good job on quitting smoking! emoToast