'86 Vip Resto

[Bigboyitm]

Re: '86 Vip Resto

Here are a few pics under the console and in the back by the engine. All the electronics work now, I still need to wire in the radio but other than that the wiring is done I just need to get it neatened up a little. I spun the engine over and the starter seems weak, so I may need a new starter or just get this one rebuilt.

Top shot of the engine.

 

[Bigboyitm]

Re: '86 Vip Resto

Last weekend I took the starter off so I could take it apart and clean it up on the inside. I cleaned it all up and put contact grease on a few points inside the starter. I haven't had a chance to put it back on yet but when I hooked it up to a battery and spun it, it had plenty of torque so I'm hoping that it is fixed. I'm gonna put the starter back on hopefully one day this week and see if it's fixed. It's getting closer to being in the water and I can't wait either!

 

[Bigboyitm]

Re: '86 Vip Resto

I had to get the starter rebuilt. I installed it a few weeks ago and the engine is spinning slowly. The battery is only a few months old and fully charged. Also when I reinstalled the starter I replaced the battery cables. Why would the engine be spinning over slowly? Could it be that the battery isn't big enough to turn the engine correctly? The thought of running 2 cranking batteries has crossed my mind if this will fix the problem. I think the battery I have right now is EXIDE 735 CCA. I can turn the motor with a wrench easily, nothing feels like it's in a bind. I'm at a loose here. I have also been thinking about installing an HEI distributor in the engine instead of the old school points ignition system, since it would be less parts to go bad and a better timing curve on the advance.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: '86 Vip Resto

Hi BBT,

Just gonna try and cover some of the possibilities you should look for...

I would make sure that all of your electrical connections are clean and tight...a loose connection can cause this problem...IF, everything else is OK...you should have the battery load tested...just because it reads fully charged, it may have a faulty cell and be unable to carry a load...If the starter was rebuilt, did they install a new solenoid?...that could also be a culprit...

Another thing to try, is pull the plugs and see how the engine spins without the compression load...look at the plugs and see if they are loaded with fuel...could be a flooding situation...

Hope this helps,
GT1M

 

[fat fanny]

Re: '86 Vip Resto

I would not sink another dime into that rig until you know it runs and runs reliably. There are allot of possible issues needing addressed before a launch. Coolant, fuel and electrical systems to start but getting itt running 1st should be a priority before hand! Good luck!

 

[Bigboyitm]

Re: '86 Vip Resto

I'll take the battery to work and get it tested one day this week. As far as the solenoid on the starter goes, yes it was replaced when the starter was rebuilt. I didn't think about checking connections, the one on the starter is good I know. Not too sure about the negative connection on the back of the block though. I just thought of this but could it be a faulty ignition switch causing the lag I am getting? Either way I am replacing it since it is hard to turn and has some corrosion on the terminals.

Another issue I've had with the boat lately is when I installed the starter and hooked up everything the negative wire going to my gauges caught on fire. Nothing changed as far as wiring goes, what could ha e caused it? Without the accessory wires hooked up, the engine still turns over. By the way this boat has been an electrical nightmare since I recieved it last November.

 

[Bigboyitm]

Re: '86 Vip Resto

I would not sink another dime into that rig until you know it runs and runs reliably. There are allot of possible issues needing addressed before a launch. Coolant, fuel and electrical systems to start but getting itt running 1st should be a priority before hand! Good luck!

I'm trying to chase down all the electrical gremlins now so I can start the engine. My father in law told me that the boat ran fine but the wiring needed redone and the sea strainer needed replaced. I am trying to get it to where I would feel comfortable taking my family out in it for a day of fun. I'm sure that once I get it to start there will be other issues arise, but ill deal with them then.

 

[Bigboyitm]

Re: '86 Vip Resto

Well I've finally had a chance to check the motor out yesterday and have found that the motor does in fact need rebuilt or replaced. There's a place in Florida that sells completely rebuilt mercruiser engines, no core and shipping isn't bad. For $1700 I could have a new motor shipped to my door. So right now were saving up the money to get one. Hope to have it by summer, but until then I'm gonna rewire the boat and pull the old engine out, I pulled the out drive this morning so that's one step out of the way.