1986 Chris craft Cavalier 5.7 Mercruiser ? Newbie needs advice plz

[cdnfisher]

I recently inherited a boat. I have been in the market for something used ot get started on and was not expecting this boat. I need some advice and direction. It has taken me months to find some type of title. Transport Canada helped me find the title, they had an old title on record for the boat.

They said it was a 1986 Chris Craft, Cavalier, 18'6", 5.7, Mercriuser. Everything seems accurate although I am not too convinced about the length, however I am not too concerned about a few inches. I did verify the boat does in fact have a 5.7 merc, as for the rest, the steering wheel says Cavalier.

Here are my questions:
-Does any one know anymore about this boat ? Model info etc? HP?
-Can I test start it without causing major damage. I have ear muffs and know how to hook up the hose. Would starting it for 5 mins be too dangerous?
-I vaguely remember him mentioning a carb issue

I can't insure on my home because of the age and I need to buy a seperate policy. Before I drop lots on money on I would like to see if it will start. I assume it will need a proper tune up. My brother gf told me he used to start it every year but since he had a newer boat he stopped using this one in the water four years ago.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Open to all feedback and suggestions.

 

[cdnfisher]

Re: 1986 Chris craft Cavalier 5.7 Mercruiser ? Newbie needs advice plz

More info:
I just tried starting it. Everything works, engine turn, all accessories work but engine didn't catch. Used a new battery, new gas. Plugs looked good but I suspect it may have bigger issues. Guesses before I drop a few hundred in it or maybe a few thousand? I am not adverse to spending money but I would prefer to buy something newer rather than drop money into a bottomless pit.

 

[dingdongs]

Re: 1986 Chris craft Cavalier 5.7 Mercruiser ? Newbie needs advice plz

after 4 years the carb will need a good clean and rebuild.see if it pumps fuel on its own by undoing cable and manualy activating to see if fuel is passing.remove cap and give it all a clean inside and make sure theres no dampness.do we have a spark or not??????

 

[cdnfisher]

Re: 1986 Chris craft Cavalier 5.7 Mercruiser ? Newbie needs advice plz

Found a local merc expert. Dingdongs was right, carb was almost totally clogged. Plugs were nearly finsihed. He is replacing a whole bunch of maintenance items filters, some hoses, some wiring. Things that should have been done over time. Same with the outdrive but thatnkfully so far, no surprises. A little more update as I learn about the boat. The engine is actually a 140HP 4 Cyl Merc even though the outdrive say 5.7 litre. He mentioned the engine was a generation 1 (mx?). He said the pros would know what that means.