78 seaswirl

rconnin57

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Dec 19, 2014
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Just purchased a 1978 seaswirl closed bow. Has a 120hp inline 6 with 400 omc outdrive. My first boat so I'm learning as I go.
Need to know the easiest way to check if the engine is alright.
Was told it runs but needs ignition wired in. A motor manual would be a great help. Any ideas where I could buy one?
 

jerryjerry05

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May 7, 2008
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E-bay or your local library.
Do a compression test.
The drive has I think??? 2 -3places for oil.
Check them for water.
The upper and lower and the gears for the tilt.
This is a pretty old boat and drive parts might be hard to find???
The motor's real simple.
Good luck.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... I believe the 120 hp is an I4, not an I6, which would be a 250 hp motor,....
 

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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In 1978, they didn't even offer a straight 6

You should post a picture of your drive and engine so we can see what you have.
 

southkogs

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^^^^ ... but they did in '77. Wonder if he's in an electric shift?

Welcome aboard rconnin. How much are you into this boat for? And how much do you have to do to her to get her lake/sea ready?
 

Boomyal

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Aug 16, 2003
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A '78 would have been a Hydro-Mechanical shift stringer. '77 was the last of the electric shifts, unless his boat manufacturer had leftovers.
 

southkogs

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^^^ That's what Bruce and I were kinda' bouncing back and forth - An inline 6 (most likely Chevy 250) in an OMC would probably be a 165HP, but we don't think they offered that in the hydro-mechanicals. That led us to the idea that the drive might be an older electric shift ... or a "franken-drive"
 
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