Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

greg crosby

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
38
I know I'm crazy but to get the boat I have to learn to put up with the dreaded 3.7!!
So I am asking for help from the group for my education.

First a bit of introduction. The boat is in GREAT SHAPE, all extras, great galv. tandem trailer. 3.7 has had very few hours, never in salt. Always professionally serviced, Alternator upgrade kit done professionally.

The vin is STRW9062B888 1988. I have no manuals for boat, motor, or outdrive (Alpha). I would like to purchase as much info as possible. After looking at the motor I find one(worn)tag with what is supposed to be the motor#. Can't read.

So: What do I do to get info.I have been reading horror stories about 3.7/470s. Could some person kindly list the list of known problems and how to avoid as much as possible. Maintenance, oils, fuel, carry spares, must do's. Upgrade ignition?
Timing? Upgrade/parts suppliers.Risers?

So far runs great, cool, no leaks, just what to be ready to deal with quirks as I'm sure they will arise. Would be good to have a list on here that collects the data in one location here.

Also would be glad to buy information(reprints)CDs,old manuals,service bulletins.

I really enjoy reading your posts. You guys have the knowledge.

Thank you
Greg Crosby
Bridgton,Maine:)
 

djpeters

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 9, 2010
Messages
1,824
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

Welcome! We need to see some pics of your boat!

For your engine concerns, you'd be much better off posting in the appropriate engine section of Iboats......
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

Hey Greg. Welcome to Tinsanity. You already have one of the weak points taken care of with the alternator upgrade. One other sore point is camshaft seals. Sounds like you know the 470 has some quirks. DJ is right on about posting in the Mercruiser section. We have some smart, experienced members who can help with the manuals over there. We can help with the tinny questions, the Starmada has a few under its' belt.

You have to post pics! Teasing isn't nice. :) Have Fun. :D
 

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

are you going to take it into the salt? i wonder if a closed cooling system might be an idea. there is one common fix for those that solves all problems and usually costs <$1000......a donor boat with another drivetrain! at some point, it seems likely you'll be doing a repower. i'm messing with you, but seriously, keep an eye on how much nickel and dime stuff you put into that motor if there's a decent chance you may want to replace it eventually anyway with a V6 or an OB on pod.
 

dozerII

Admiral
Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
6,527
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

Welcome Greg, someone in the Mercruiser section can probably give you a link to free manuals for the motor and outdrive. We do need pictures though.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

are you going to take it into the salt? i wonder if a closed cooling system might be an idea. there is one common fix for those that solves all problems and usually costs <$1000......a donor boat with another drivetrain! at some point, it seems likely you'll be doing a repower. i'm messing with you, but seriously, keep an eye on how much nickel and dime stuff you put into that motor if there's a decent chance you may want to replace it eventually anyway with a V6 or an OB on pod.

One of the nice features of a 470 - It has closed cooling because of the cast iron block and aluminum head. Or is that the other way around?
 

dozerII

Admiral
Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
6,527
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

One of the nice features of a 470 - It has closed cooling because of the cast iron block and aluminum head. Or is that the other way around?

Other way around GA.
 

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

wow. i didn't know that. how's the vibration on those? beforre balance shafts, the car mfgrs used to consider about 2.2-2.3L to be upper limit of inline 4 for acceptable vibration. the concept of one almost twice that size in big tin resonator sounds scary.
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

Shoot, I can't see his boat or that nasty 470, you guys?:emptiness:
 

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

makes you wonder if he really bought a GLASSER and is hiding his shame.....;)
 

greg crosby

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
38
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

View attachment 191878
OK I think you guys want pictures. I'm trying. New to this game. Is there a place where I could get a copy of 1988 221 Islander owners manual/operations? Got mercruiser number 8 (big help!)Gregs Boat 002.jpg
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

Unless someone has a manual they could copy, you may be out of luck, Greg. There may not even be a manual, just manuals for engine operation or any added equipment.

She looks really good. And so does the panel truck! What is it?
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

She is a sweet ride! Yah, truck and boat:thumb:
 

greg crosby

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
38
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

1946 1 ton Ford panel stock original v8. Runs and goes good. Very handy. Got lots of old stuff.
 

greg crosby

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
38
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

I'm hoping there is a Islander 221 owner that might share a copy of a manual. Mines a 1988. Thanks guys. This is a great site. Also any info insights, watchouts, good stories etc.Gregs Boat 004.jpg:)
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

Bah, you won't need a manual for your boat. That'll tell ya stuff like how to put your life jacket on and what navigation lights are for, ya know, stuff like that.

You'll definitely want the manual (factory Merc manual) for that 470 though. Beat the bushes over on the Merc forum and you could prolly shake out a free copy.
 

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

interesting comment on our society that as time goes on, O-manuals get more like liability disclaimers and less like useful info. the owner's manual for my 1969 BMW shows how to adjust valve clearances and the rear brakes.......
 

greg crosby

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
38
Re: Starcraft Islander 221 1988 3.7

My 62 & 67 BMW Bikes manuals and tool kits are so complete I can do a top end job without draining the oil or gas!!!!!
 
Top