1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

[Faerbairn]

I just bought a 1991 Sea Ray 170 with the 4.3L Mercruiser motor & Alpha One Outdrive.

The boat has not been run in a few years. I have received many suggestions, so I am hoping to get a good concise to do list and follow it. I am going to buy the manual tomorrow. Is one manual better than another?

What should I do to prepare it before I start it?

Change engine oil & filter?
Change outdrive oil?
Replace Spark Plugs?
Ignition?
What do I do with the existing fuel in the tank? Drain it & buy all new? how do I clean out the inside of the tank of any particles?
Fuel filter?

Do I then run for a certain amount of time and replace all oils again?

Should I open each spark plug and spray a little WD40 in to lubricate each cylinder wall before I turn it over?

Carb cleaner?
Starting Fluid?

Thanks for your help.

Adam

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

What should I do to prepare it before I start it?

Change engine oil & filter?
Change outdrive oil?
Replace Spark Plugs?
Ignition?
What do I do with the existing fuel in the tank? Drain it & buy all new? how do I clean out the inside of the tank of any particles?
Fuel filter?

Do I then run for a certain amount of time and replace all oils again?

Ayuh,.... Check everything, then Try it...

 

[achris]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

I just bought a 1991 Sea Ray 170 with the 4.3L Mercruiser motor & Alpha One Outdrive.

Congratulations...

The boat has not been run in a few years. I have received many suggestions, so I am hoping to get a good concise to do list and follow it. I am going to buy the manual tomorrow. Is one manual better than another?

You'll need more than one manual, and there is only one manual publisher. All the others publish knee pads and toilet roll...

As for 'buying', don't. Download the ENGINE and DRIVE manuals here.

...Should I open each spark plug and spray a little WD40 in to lubricate each cylinder wall before I turn it over?

Definitely NOT! Apart from being VERY dangerous to health, WD40 is a de-watering fluid and will remove any oil from the cylinder walls. I would use a little 2 stroke oil.

Carb cleaner?
Starting Fluid?

Carb cleaner? yes, if you like..
Starting fluid? NEVER let that stuff anywhere near your engine if you'd like to keep it for any length of time!!!

Thanks for your help.

Adam

You're welcome Adam...

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

Drain the fuel and buy fresh gas;usually no need to clean tank. Replace fuel filter, check ALL fluid levels, install new battery, hook up the muffs, and try to start it;might just start up(after a bit of cranking) and run just fine. If it does, make sure it pumps water. Let it run for half hour or so, then change the fluids and put it in the water and see how it runs. 'nutcase

 

[Faerbairn]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

I followed all the advice and it is running great on muffs. I will put it in the water and test it there soon.

Should I change all of the fluids in the engine and the outdrive?

What year & HP is my engine? The ID tag I could find was on the outdrive.

Serial # OD529395

The engine has a number on the block, but I could not find a serial number.

GM 6269732

Also, what are my prop options? The one I have does not seem to have the typical size x size info on it. it is banged up and I want to get a nice stainless prop that will give me the best skiing.

 

[Faerbairn]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[180shabah]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

It is NOT ready to splash yet.

You need to pull the drive, do water pump service, check/replace ujoints, gimble bearing, bellows etc. You also need to check engine alignment. This is all in addition to the tune up, fluids, filters and belts listed above.

 

[Faerbairn]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

Everything looks good except I have way too much play in the outdrive swinging left to right. I can move it about 3" without the steering wheel turning at all. It was suggested that some part that goes around a square rod is worn (the gimbal?).

Can I use it as is?
Is there a band aid that can get me thru a few trips to the lake?
What is the proper repair?
Is there a shortcut?

Thanks

 

[Ocean Airbrush]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

I have the same setup only it's a 93. It has been my extensive experience that bandaids only serve to rack up the price on a major repair later. Save yourself some anguish and just fix it right now. No one has any fun on the lake when they are waiting for an inevitable failure to occur......When said failure does occur the wife will never trust the boat again and then you have another hurdle to jump over everytime you mention the word boat.
Do it once, do it right and have fun, or do it cheap and pay the price later.

 

[achris]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

....Do it once, do it right and have fun, or do it cheap and pay the price later.

Never a truer word uttered....

Chris......

 

[Faerbairn]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

Understood

What is my Engine HP? Engine Serial # OD516254

and

Is my outdrive a Alpha One or Alpha One Gen II?

Outdrive Serial # OD525588
Gimbal Serial # OD529395

 

[achris]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

Understood

What is my Engine HP? Engine Serial # OD516254

and

Is my outdrive a Alpha One or Alpha One Gen II?

Outdrive Serial # OD525588
Gimbal Serial # OD529395

Engine is 1991, 4.3L (175hp)
Drive is also 1991, Alpha One Gen II (ratio is 1.84:1)

Chris........

 

[Faerbairn]

Re: 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L V6 + Alpha One

thank you