1984 four winns horizon 195

[clydey]

Picked up a 1984 four winns horizon 195 with a merc 470. the usual problems with all old boats. Do you guys think these are worthy of a total restoration job? It runs and floats...what do you think?

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

The 470 critics will be along shortly...

(Not that they're wrong, though.)

 

[pckeen]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

What condition is the hull, motor, interior in? The reason I ask is that if the hull is damaged, the interior is shot, and the motor blown....you have yourself a parts boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

The 470 critics will be along shortly...

(Not that they're wrong, though.)

Ayuh,.... Atleast it's late enough that a 4.3l swap is reasonably easy,...

The 470 is Problematic,...

 

[clydey]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

Interior in good shape for a small cuddy.Hull in descent shape for the age,usuall gel coat cracks. Engine is a 470 so here ya go.......when tested I found water in the oil,that has been changed and has not reapeared.oil in riser anti tank and sucked out. Weep hole clear and dry and no sign on leaks.Lower unit just pulled and impeller fried and new entire kit going in.The engine does run smooth and I did a compression check and found all cyls.good.You can bash this engine if need be but it is still running after 30 years old so ya give it that much. So back to the original ???is this a maybe save boat or junk??And if it is crap because the 470 is in place how hard is the 4.3 swap and what does it entail

 

[matt167]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

If the 470 is a solid runner with little to no work then it is a good engine and really don't need to replace it. It was Mercury's own design but uses Ford 460 rods, pistons and cylinder head. Good idea, being a large displacement 4cyl it was lightweight with good power. However they cast it with an open deck design so any time the 470 gets hot, it blows the head gasket..

That said, water in the oil and oil in the coolant tank, you have a blown head gasket or worse.

 

[clydey]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

Would,nt a blown head gasket give bad compression?Maybe hydrolock too?
I am going to put the lower back on and give it a spin for a short period of time....see what happens.

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

The charging system is also problematic. It used a stator system like an outboard. There are conversion kits that use a standard marine alternator but they are extremely expensive. It would be a big plus if one was already installed.

 

[matt167]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

Would,nt a blown head gasket give bad compression?Maybe hydrolock too?
I am going to put the lower back on and give it a spin for a short period of time....see what happens.

Can but not always. When the fluids mix like that, it is usually the head gasket

 

[NC Broker]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

I have a 1984 Stingray svc195ss with a 470 170hp. I will say that WHEN it starts it runs good & strong all day.

 

[clydey]

Re: 1984 four winns horizon 195

How tough is the head gasket job.Anybody????