1958 V-4 Starflite 50hp

I recently purchased a '58 or '59 Century Palomino woodie equipped with a '58 Starflite. The previous owner tells me the motor runs good, but hasn't been started in 8 years. I'm wondering what should be done for this motor before trying to start it?

Re: 1958 V-4 Starflite 50hp

Mix up some fuel. One quart of TCW-3 rated outboard oil to six gallons of 87 octane gas.<br /><br />Try to start it.<br /><br />Once started, check for water spay out of the exhaust relief port which is located mid way up the leg. While running check the temperature of the engine by placing your hand on the top cylinder heads. If you can't hold your hand there, it's overheating-SHUT IT DOWN.<br /><br />If it runs OK, I would replace the water pump impeller, before I took it out on the water.<br /><br />If it does not run OK, you're probably in for a carb rebuild, at a minimum. Not expensive.<br /><br />I owned one of those.<br /><br />Be prepared, it is a gas guzzling beast.

Re: 1958 V-4 Starflite 50hp

Thanks, DJ . . . I suppose in 1958, nobody cared too much about heavy fuel consumption, but at $2+ per gallon, it is definitely a consideration. I had wondered why the previous owner had two 6g tanks in the boat. A friend suggested that I replace all seals before starting it----anything to that?

Re: 1958 V-4 Starflite 50hp

Craig,<br /><br />No, I don't think that necessary.<br /><br />My advice is to start it first. That way you know if it even worhth fixing up.<br /><br />Once it starts and runs well, there are things you should do.<br /><br />Let us know.

Re: 1958 V-4 Starflite 50hp

If it runs, and your going to use it, take the distributor apart and lub the bearing/s in it. I'll bet its never been done and dry by now, mine was. And it ran much smother after the lub.

Re: 1958 V-4 Starflite 50hp

Much appreciated, guys . . . all advice accepted and will be put to good use.