1969 MerCrusier (my first post of project )

[LEROYDOZOIS]

my dad and i have just resently bought 69 gulfstream with a MerCursier 120 hp motor in it for a whopping $32 to have it registered in our name

it was my dads friends grandfathers baby and he kept it in very good condition until it sat in the desert sun for about 20+ years

the boat sat casue the outdrives hydralics died (maybe) and that started its 20 + year sit...

theres not a single scratch on either the top or bottem of the hull

we replaced the starter (what a pain that was) and the boat cranks over flawlessly with big beautiful sparks (never seized)

currently we are starting the process of taking off all the petrified wires and hoses to remove the motor..... the boat has the origional steel tanks w/ gas in it and most likely will be replaced with a couple 5-6 gallon plastic tanks. (unless we can clean the tanks...but not much faith in that)

once we get the motor out we will start the teedious task of replacing everything thats been sun rotted...... replacing all the fluids..... and all the 50/50 chance issues that could possibly ruin a night of fishing!!!! (we want to do this once and only once)

if anyone has any other recomendations that we may not find in the #8 MerCrusier service manual feel free to throw it out there

if i violated any of the "adult rules" i didnt mean to.... just wanted to give the background of my project and being this is my first post ill take the scolding

LeRoy DoZois....

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1969 MerCrusier (my first post of project )

Welcome Aboard Leroy!!


seems like ya got a good handle on what ya need to do.
Pay attention to the outdrive as well, dont neglect seals and fluid changes, 100% replace the impeller in the lower pump to make sure you have good water flow..Also bellows are probably baked and brittle as well..

Good luck and you have really come to the right place..These guys have helped me with my 120 and its a year OLDER than yours!

p.s.
Any chance of convincing you to change that font? lol

 

[ziggy]

Re: 1969 MerCrusier (my first post of project )

welcome aboard man...

if anyone has any other recomendations that we may not find in the #8 MerCrusier service manual feel free to throw it out there

for a '69 ya should be using s/m #1...
sounds like ya got a plan to me... congrats on your new boat...

 

[LEROYDOZOIS]

Re: 1969 MerCrusier (my first post of project )

everything is ready for the motor to go by by

from here im sure well be replacing hoses and cleaning up everything that way when we start piecing the motor apart its not such a mystery to get back together

we just resently sold our racing gokarts for a whopping $1000 so we have some money to play with

nothing is to be blown on (spending wise ) but were hoping that our little play boat will be fully operational and very healthy for under $400 which will be easilly reach being i know nothing but DIY

 

[ziggy]

Re: 1969 MerCrusier (my first post of project )

were hoping that our little play boat will be fully operational and very healthy for under $400

you must be an optimist. boats are kinda maint. intensive i've found, especially i/o's .... imho..... i do wish ya success in obtaining your goal though.....

 

[cr2k]

Re: 1969 MerCrusier (my first post of project )

Hopefully the engine was drained of water before it sat so long. I know it gets freezing in the desert (used to live in Blythe). other than any freeze damage the desert is about the best place to park something.

Don't forget the drive comes off first.

Good luck. Take lots of pictures when disassembling for reference.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: 1969 MerCrusier (my first post of project )

Hey Leroy,
It sounds like you are on a budget, been there. But there are some things you really have to be aware of when working on boats here in Havasu. Especially boats that have been unused for 20 years. Most notably, heat damage to every seal in the drive, and dry rot.
I am here in Havasu. And a certified Mercrusier Tech. Send me your phone number thru private messages and maybe I can swing by, look it over for you, and give you a list. No charge, no catch.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1969 MerCrusier (my first post of project )

Hey Leroy,
It sounds like you are on a budget, been there. But there are some things you really have to be aware of when working on boats here in Havasu. Especially boats that have been unused for 20 years. Most notably, heat damage to every seal in the drive, and dry rot.
I am here in Havasu. And a certified Mercrusier Tech. Send me your phone number thru private messages and maybe I can swing by, look it over for you, and give you a list. No charge, no catch.

Well theres a little bit of Christmas Magic!
Good man HBM!

Leroy..dont take this offer lightly!! He knows his stuff!!