What did I get myself into

[driveway boater]

I just purchased a 1984 Sea Swirl Contender with a 3.8L engine. The boat has been stored indoors for the last 15 years. The previous owner claims it was running great when he stored it. What should I do to the engine before trying to start it up?

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: What did I get myself into

I would say if its been sitting that long I would start with an oil change and draining any gas left in the tank . I am sure others will be along with more info but if it were a car motor thats where I would start after sitting that long.


Rick

 

[danond]

Re: What did I get myself into

15 years?? That's long enough that if it wasn't fogged before it was shut down, there's a good chance it's locked up.

Remove the outdrive. Inspect gimbal bearing, u-joints, etc. Make sure it turns and shifts, re-install. Check fluid level.

Take all the spark plugs out, squirt liberal amounts of oil into the cylinders. Turn the engine over by hand a few times, make sure it's not stuck. If it's not, I'd put in fresh oil and spin the oil pump with a drill.

Check all hoses for leaks or cracking. Pour fuel down the carb, hope for the best, hit the key.

Then the maintenance stuff starts. Fuel filter, carb rebuild, etc etc.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: What did I get myself into

Welcome to iboats.
You either just bought a gem or a pain in the arse.
I would follow the advice these guys gave you. Priming the oil pump is very important. After 15 years you can bet everything inside is bone dry.
Don?t be surprised if it doesn?t start, the carb is probably gummed up.

 

[coastalcruiser]

Re: What did I get myself into

the raw water impeller takes a set. that will make it useless, you definitely have to change it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What did I get myself into

What did I get myself into

Ayuh,.... A Very, Very Large pile of Do-Do I'd say.....

The 3.8l leads me to believe it's an Old Stringer drive....