4.3L 6 cyl engine not started 2 years, what's wrong?

[dolemite_1]

Hey guys first time poster. I am buying my friends fathers boat that is a 93 dynasty with an original 4.3 6cyl mercruiser that has been sitting in the driveway for two years. I've done some research and heard I should be looking to see if the oil is milky. Should I just change it before it is started for the first time? He is siphoning out the gas that was in the tank and adding new before starting. anything else? Any advice is appreciated.

Thx
sean

 

[bhammer]

Re: 4.3L 6 cyl engine not started 2 years, what's wrong?

Hi, welcome to iBoats. Lots of good people and expert advice from here. Probably better than what I'm going to give you. Here's what I would do:

1. Check cylinder compressions
2. Check for trasom rot and soft areas on the floor
3. Check engine and lower unit oil for milky color
4. Do a lake trial and make sure it runs well and doesn't leak

I'd do those before buying the boat at a minimum. Then, once I owned the boat, I would:

1. Change the impeller in the lower unit
2. Change lower unit oil
3. Change engine oil

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 4.3L 6 cyl engine not started 2 years, what's wrong?

Check to see if the engine has been winterized,,, most importantly the water drained out of the engine and manifolds. Water left in the engine and manifolds can crack them if it gets cold enough.

You should prime the engine before starting, all the oil has drained down into the pan over the past 2 years. The best way would be to pull the distributor and prime the oil pump with a priming tool and drill. Either that or pull the coil wire off the distributor cap and ground it, pull the plugs and then crank the engine for 10 seconds and let the starter cool for 2-3 minutes. Do the crank and cool off 4-5 more times, put everything back in place and try to fire it up.

Also look into replacing the battery(s) and doing a tune-up on the ignition, plugs wires, cap, rotor, points, condenser. Check all the systems, horn lights, trim unit, gauges, blower, etc.

Tires, repack wheel bearings, check brakes, trailer lights...

 

[wallydc2]

Re: 4.3L 6 cyl engine not started 2 years, what's wrong?

If you are unsure, negotiate!! Tell the owner that you want to tow it to a dealer for a professional inspection. If he agrees take it anyway, usually that's a sign that he is genuine. If says no, take it as it is DONT BUY IT! Been there done that.

 

[Dryon]

Re: 4.3L 6 cyl engine not started 2 years, what's wrong?

This should answer your question. It's from Merc service manual #13.