New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

So long story short I got a 1989-90 21' Bayliner Capri w/ a 5.0 L 4v engine.
I'm new to I/O and need help getting it started.
The boat sat for about 7 years. It says that the engine has only 129hrs of use on it.
I want to get it started and would like to know what I need to do to start it.
I've tried to put some muffs on and a small battery- 550 cca.
I turn the key and all I her is a faint click sound from what I think is the starter solenoid.

Do I need a bigger battery? 800cca?
Is there a way to check if the starter is still working by "jumping" it somehow? Or can I check if the solenoid is faulty somehow?
Is there a list of things I need to do and check before starting this motor?

I plan on changing the lower unit gear oil and engine oil.(I checked the oil and it looks to be still good.
Change the air filter as well?
Fuel filter would be cleaned too and replaced as needed.
Thanks in advance guys.
I really want to get the engine started first before I replace the interior and put some really money into it.

Thanks in advance for the help and advice!
Cheers
-Andy

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

First if possible, use a large socket wrench on the pulley shaft to make sure the engine isnt locked up - give it a nice slow roll over. Assuming it spins, then....

1) you need to have muffs hooked up to a garden hose giving cooling water. Always. Cant run it even a minute without.

2) google or search here for instructions to jump the solenoid with jumper cables, not hard, hopefully the starter will roll the engine over with sufficient speed to start the motor. But dont try yet....

3) Pull off the easiest spark plug you can reach, and now spin the motor over, checking for spark. If spark now....

4) Take off the spark arrestor (air cleaner in car lingo) and spray a bit of starting fluid in the throat, and now try a bit of cranking.

If you are unbelievably lucky she will fire and maybe even run, assuming the carb isnt all gunked up from non-use.


Rushing right to #4 doesnt make any sense, best you will do is wear out a battery or starter.

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Thanks for the help.
I'll try jumping the starter.
Do I need a stronger battery? Is 550 cca enough for this motor?

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

550 amp will crank the motor just fine if it's a good battery, make sure your main negative ground from battery to engine is clean and tight, same with the pos. cable solenoid to starter to battery.

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

I'll check on the connections thanks.
So I could assume the starter solenoid is faulty if I can jump the starter?
All I hear is a clicking noise from the solenoid right now.
The starter doesn't even make a sound.

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Just a thought, carbs that have been sitting for that long should, more often than not, be rebuilt.
You also might want to drain the old gas out of the tank and put fresh gas in before you start cranking the engine and running all that old gas through the system. Gas tanks that have been sitting for that long can have water and all kinds of crap in them, and you dont want that stuff clogging your filters and filling your water separator filter.

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Good NEWs!!
The engine is not froze.
I can turn it manually.
Now I need to try and jump test the starter.
It looks really bad I think I'm gonna replace it .
Does anyone kow where I can purchase one? Part#?

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

DB electrical.com
02-28-2011 Starters > Marine Inboard > OMC Marine > 4.3 Liter > Marine Starter V6 V8 GM 2 Long Bolts Mercruiser OMC SDR0031

Marine Starter V6 V8 GM 2 Long Bolts Mercruiser OMC SDR0031








Marine Starter V6 V8 GM 2 Long Bolts Mercruiser OMC SDR0031


Price: $53.00

Quantity:
New Inboard Marine PMGR Starter for
Mercruiser, Volvo Penta, Others

Comes with mounting bolts - Offset bolt pattern. -
This marine boat starter fits nearly all Mercruiser, Cobra,
Yamaha, Volva Penta, and OMC GM engines except the 3.0 liter.

This permanent magnet high torque gear reduction starter will
also replace the older large style 10MT Delco starters with
staggered (offset) bolt pattern! It provides higher torque with
less drain on your battery.

Fits Merc, OMC, Volvo V6 & V8 engines- GM Block using a
14.5 inch flywheel. High Torque Gear Reduction with staggered
bolt pattern. This starter has an 11 tooth pinion that will replace
the older style 9 tooth models.

Replaces these part numbers:
API Marine # 10095, 10099, ST95
Arco # 30450
Delco # 9000819, 9000821, 9000839, 9000840, 9000884
Mercury # 50-806964A2, 50-806964A3, 50-806964A4
50-807904A1, 50-812604A2, 50-812428A3,
50-822330A2, 50-807907
OMC # 3854751, 3855177, 3856004
Volvo Penta # 3587625-10, 3854751-9, 3856004-1, 3860764
Sierra Marine # 18-5913

Will also replace these older style 10MT Delco starters
Mercury # 50-12121A2, 50-12177A2, 50-712428A3,
50-812604A2, 50-99418A2

OMC # 984456, 986505, 3850525, 3853982, 3855177


Fits all of these applications and others:

OMC Marine
ENGINES - MARINE All Models 4.3L 1987-1996
ENGINES - MARINE All Models 5.0L 1986-1988
ENGINES - MARINE All Models 5.7L 1986-1996
ENGINES - MARINE All Models 7.4L 1990-1996
ENGINES - MARINE All Models 8.2L 1988-1992

VOLVO PENTA Marine
ENGINES - MARINE Various Models 4.3L 1995-1999
ENGINES - MARINE Various Models 5.0L GM 1998-1999
ENGINES - MARINE Various Models 5.7L 1996-1999
ENGINES - MARINE Various Models 7.4L 1996-1999
ENGINES - MARINE Various Models 8.2L 1996-1999

MERCRUISER Marine
Hi Performance
Model 377 Scorpion (Gen+) (Ski) GM 6.2L - 377ci - 8cyl
Model 377 Scorpion Sterndrive GM 6.2L - 377ci - 8cyl
Model 450 (Gen V) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1995-1996
Model 500 (Gen +) GM 8.2L - 502ci - 8cyl 1999-2000
Model 500 (Gen V) GM 8.2L - 502ci - 8cyl 1994-1996
Model 500 (Gen VI) GM 8.2L - 502ci - 8cyl 1997-1998
Model 500 Bulldog GM 8.9L - 540ci - 8cyl 1990-2001
Model 500 EFI GM 8.2L - 502ci - 8cyl 1999-2002
Model 525SC (Gen V) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996
Model 525SC (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1997
Model 575 SCI GM 8.2L - 502ci - 8cyl 2000-2002
Model 600SC (Gen VI) GM 8.2L - 502ci - 8cyl 1997-1998

SKI ENGINES
Black Scorpion Ski (Gen +) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1998
Model 350 Mag EFI Ski (Gen +) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 350 Mag EFI Ski (TBI) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1994-1996
Model 350 Mag MPI Ski GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1995-1996
Model 350 Mag Ski GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1991-1997
Model 454 EFI Ski (Gen V) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1995
Model 454 Mag MPI Ski (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 5.7L Competition Ski GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1987-1997

STERN DRIVE
Model 200 GM 5.0L - 305ci - 8cyl 1987
Model 230 GM 5.0L - 305ci - 8cyl 1987
Model 260 GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1987
Model 262 Mag (Gen +) (TBI) GM 4.3L - 262ci - 6cyl 1996-1997
Model 350 Mag Alpha GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1988-1995
Model 350 Mag Alpha (4-BBL) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 350 Mag Alpha EFI (Gen +) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 350 Mag Bravo MPI GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1995
Model 350 Mag Bravo MPI (Gen +) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 4.3L (Gen +) GM 4.3L - 262ci - 6cyl 1996-1997
Model 4.3L (Gen II) GM 4.3L - 262ci - 6cyl 1994-1996
Model 4.3L (Gen II) (2-BBL) GM 4.3L - 262ci - 6cyl 1993-1996
Model 4.3LHX (Gen +) (4-BBL) GM 4.3L - 262ci - 6cyl 1996-1997
Model 4.3LX (Gen +) (2-BBL) GM 4.3L - 262ci - 6cyl 1996-1997
Model 4.3LX (Gen II) (4-BBL) GM 4.3L - 262ci - 6cyl 1993-1996
Model 454 EFI (Gen V) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1994-1996
Model 454 Mag Bravo (Gen V) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1992-1996
Model 454 Mag Bravo (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 454 Mag Bravo MPI (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 1996-1999
Model 454 Mag MPI (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996-1998
Model 496 Mag HO GM 8.1L - 496ci - 8cyl
Model 496 MagI GM 8.1L - 496ci - 8cyl
Model 5.0LX GM 5.0L - 305ci - 8cyl 1988-1995
Model 5.7L (2-BBL) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1998
Model 5.7L Bravo GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1989-1995
Model 5.7L EFI (TBI) (2-BBL) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 5.7L EFI (TBI) Alpha GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1995
Model 5.7L EFI (TBI) Bravo GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1995
Model 5.7LX (4-BBL) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 5.7LX Bravo EFI (Gen +) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 5.7LX EFI (TBI) (2-BBL) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1997
Model 5.7LX EFI (TBI) (4-BBL) GM 5.7L - 350ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 502 EFI (Gen V) GM 8.2L - 502ci - 8cyl 1993-1995
Model 502 Mag Bravo (Gen V) GM 8.2L - 502ci - 8cyl 1992-1993
Model 502 Mag MPI (Gen VI) GM 8.2L - 502ci - 8cyl 1996-1998
Model 502 Mag MPI Bravo (Gen VI) GM 8.2L - 502ci - 1998-1999
Model 7.4L Bravo (Gen V) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1992-1996
Model 7.4L Bravo (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 7.4L MPI (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1998
Model 7.4LX Bravo MPI (Gen V) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996
Model 7.4LX Bravo MPI (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 7.4LX Bravo TBI (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 7.4LX MPI (Gen V) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996
Model 7.4LX MPI (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996-1997
Model 7.4LX TBI (Gen VI) GM 7.4L - 454ci - 8cyl 1996-1997


? 2010 DB Electrical Starter-Alternator

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

hey thanks for the link!
only $53 for piece of mind knowing I have a new starter!
Now I wait for the part to come in.
At least I can still get on the water with my little 16' boat that I finished recently with the help from the great people of this forum!
here's a picture of it.

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

550 won'tl ast if you're stopping and starting a lot.

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

I plan on changing the lower unit gear oil and engine oil.(I checked the oil and it looks to be still good.

Click to expand...

Howdy,


Did you check the gear oil and did you do it with the dip-stick screwed all the way in?


When you change the gear oil, understand that you drain it from the bottom "drain-port" and you fill it from the "FILL-port" (second one up from the bottom) Fill it the wrong way, and you WILL be buying another drive.

Get yourself an OEM OMC service manual for your year and Model engine and drive. (I bought mine from a guy on ebay that makes copies but there's always a few original ones on there....)

Where's that picture taken from? That lake looks familiar!! (or is it the SAC river?)

The 550 cranking battery will be fine if it always starts easily and your alt is working good.....just don't plan on sitting at shore and running the stereo for hours!!

I'm planning an OPTIMA type deep cycle battery for mine.


Cheers,



Rick

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Take Rick's advice from the above post. Get the manual and read up.
The water pump impeller needs replaced before you even run it.
Easy job on the Cobra if you read the manual.

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Thanks for the advice everyone!
Do I need a marine starter or can I use one made for autos?

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Marine starter, distributor, fuel pump and carburetor.

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Challenger84 said:

Thanks for the advice everyone!
Do I need a marine starter or can I use one made for autos?

Click to expand...

To be safe (and legal) get a marine starter.


What lake is that in your picture?

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Challenger84, where is the registration number on your boat in the pic?

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

I will use a marine starter.
I had no idea that an auto starter was illegal?!

The numbers for my boat are on there,on the front sides of the boat. In the silver part of the hull.

The launch I use is in a state regional park. Only a 5 min drive there.
It's quiet there and not a lot of boaters use this launch.
It opens to the bay.
It's like a bay within a bay, I guess. Water is always glassy and makes it very easy to launch and retrieve the boat.
I live in the San Francisco bay area.

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

What is the difference between the marine starter and one made for auto's?

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Challenger84 said:

What is the difference between the marine starter and one made for auto's?

Click to expand...

They'll indicate SAE J1171 compliance which indicates that they are ignition protected. (I.E. they won't cause an explosion if gasoline is spilled in the bilge.)

Re: New to me 5.0L cobra drive. need help!

Wow thanks for the info!
I'll be def. getting a marine starter.