94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

nomad317 · Mar 10, 2003

Yes, I'm still new to this boating thing. Anyway... I found a 94 4Winns Freedom w/ OMC 4.3L v6. I went today to have the guy fire it up because I know very little about boats and thought I should at least see & hear it running. Anyway, it wouldn't turn over. One of the belt "pulleys" wasn't turning. I would guess (from other posts) that it was the crankshaft pulley but I truly don't know. All the others were spinning. In fact, the belt started smoking (the one that goes around the pulley that wasn't turning) The guy said he had it winterized but he went and got some anti-freeze, pulled off a hose and poured it in there. Tried again, no start. We stopped after that, I didn't want anything "worse" to happen. He said it was too cold. (30's today) and it's been a pretty cold winter. Asked me to come back Friday (suppose to be high sixties) I'm a little skeptical but what do I know, I'm just a boatless guy trying to buy a boat. Any thoughts???? The pulley in question (when standing in the rear of the boat, facing the engine) is the far left one. Oh yeah, one other thing. Shouldn't starting require water or something? (can you tell I know next to nothing?)

snapperbait · Mar 10, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Hi Nomad... If any of the pulleys were turning except for one the crankshaft definately is turning... The starter engauges the flywheel which is directly connected the the crankshaft... The pulley in question is most likely the water pump pulley and it's not turning because it is frozen due to cold or frozen up due to corrosin/rust... Either way thats not good.. If the water pump is frozen due to cold, I would suspect that the engine was not winerized properly... You might be better off looking for something else.. My 2cents worth.. Starting the engine ALLWAYS requires a source of water... A garden hose with a "flusher", or sometimes refered to as "ear muffs"; put over the water intake holes on the lower unit of the outdrive is an acceptable way...

Blue Thunder · Mar 10, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

I agree with snapper, keep looking. If not repaired properly, the boat will immediately start taking on water when next launched. If you do not notice it, down she goes. There are a lot of good boats out there, just keep looking and be patient. No matter what boat you eventually make an offer to purchse, your offer should be contingent on an unconditional sea trial. That is the norm. If the seller won't do it, offer him 1/2 of your first offer and say take it or leave it. Have fun. BT

nomad317 · Mar 10, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Thanks snapperbait and Blue Thunder. If the waterpump is frozen, what about when it warms up or is it too far gone? And if too far gone, is it expensive to replace? He's asking about $2500 less than what it's worth (NADA) because he's "living w/ his brother and is selling so he can try to get a house." Seeing the house/area, I tend to beleive him. Also, he "winterized" it himself so maybe he didn't do it 100%. I think I should offer him considerably less. Good idea!!! Again, everybody on this board is the best. I'd be knee deep in a bayliner w/ not enough power to pull a rope. THANKS!!!!! Snapperbait: I doubt it is due to rust/corrosion. This boat looks brand new (engine too) so I would lean more towards the outside temp. but, like I said, I know jack. May be worth offering lower and having it fixed unless repair cost for this type of problem is absurd. ( thank you all very much, will check back soon. ) (more opinions and feedback to this post are not only accepted... they're encouraged!!!)

Bondo · Mar 10, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

The Posts above are very sound advise.... I'll go a step farther...... OMCs are a Dead Horse.... They No longer make New Parts for them..... Skidoo Only bought the Outboard motor Div.... They weren't that great an outdrive when they were New.... Even if the guy wants to Give you the boat, I'd RUN the other way..... By the Way..... When a motor Freezes, There's Usually Serious Structual Damage.....Fixes are VERY Expensive.... IF you can Find OMC Parts....

Boatist · Mar 10, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Nomad I agree sounds like a water circulation pump frozen up. When water freezes can crack the block or head and that mean whole new engine. ($6000) installed.

nomad317 · Mar 11, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Thanks all... So it shouldn't start on Friday, correct? And if it does could there still be severe damage? (I know a hair more about boats than yesterday)

roscoe · Mar 11, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

It may start, but there still could be extensive internal damage which will get worse with use. And if it is not run with a water source, there will be more damage. The owner doesn't sound too bright, considering he thought that antifreeze would start the engine. Let someone else have this "bargain."

nomad317 · Mar 11, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Thanks roscoe, He doesn't seem to be the highest on the food chain but who am I to judge. I figured it was too good of a deal. Back to the boat hunt...

Blue Thunder · Mar 11, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

The best case scenario nomad is that he simply winterized it by only dumping antifreeze in the thermostat housing of the engine. This may result in only the waterpump housing getting cracked. You can fix this for around $100. I did that myself once with no ill effects to the engine. No matter if it runs or not, you must insist on the offer being contingent on a sea trial!! BT

nomad317 · Mar 11, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Is there a simple way to find out if it's the waterpump housing as opposed to the engine block? If not, what about a 96 Caravelle 18 BR w/ Merc 3.0LX??? Good engine?? Good boat??? YOU GUYS ARE SAVING MY BACON!!!

6MISFITZ · Mar 11, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Doesn't matter who made the boat or the motor, IT ALL COMES DOWN TO HOW IT WAS MAINTAINED!!! Someone who looks after things will only be too happy to show receipts of everything that owner has done to keep it ship shape and will not need excuses when showing off their boat. Mike. Ps. Well, maybe the engine manufacturer is important... but no more so than MAINTENANCE. My 2150 Also has OMC power and I have no problems with anything I need from the dealer. Goodluck with your search!

nomad317 · Mar 11, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Thanks all. Mike, the Caravelle is a repo. Looks like it was never used but I haven't "inspected" it yet. As far as the one that won't start (4Winns), I believe the guy meant to take great care of it. I just think he fell short on winterizing it. You know... good intentions, and all... more input... I'm begging

sea wolf · Mar 11, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

i'll put my omc up against a merc any day & i've never had a problem getting parts for it either.

Boatin Bob · Mar 12, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

I'll second that Sea Wolf, I'm on Cobra 4&5 right now and have had a lot less problems than some of my Merc buddies at the marina. Nomad317...just a suggestion and don't take it the wrong way but since you admitted to being new to boats it might be good if you could hook up with a local marine mechanic and pay him to come and give the engine a quick look, could save you big $$$ in the long run.

nomad317 · Mar 12, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Thanks Boatin Bob and others... Do you think I should try to get a mechanic to come out to the boat or should I try to get the boat to the mechanic? I'm assuming the mechanic could better inspect at the shop? Man, this boat purchasing stuff is a pain

(but I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end)

proline2 · Mar 12, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

There's an old saying about boat transactions; the two happiest days of boat ownership are the day you buy it and the day you sell it. If you aren't careful the days in between can be awfully long. I have an OMC 800 and the only parts I can't get from my dealer are anything related to the trim/tilt.

nomad317 · Mar 13, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

Thanks once again, everybody. I spoke to a marine shop. The only place in town I trust. Site unseen, he says pretty much what most of you guys are saying. Cracked block. He said if I can get the boat in, they can check it at $69hr and should take less than 2. He also stated they can throw a rebuilt one in for a total of $3500 (w/o manifolds) +$300 to $400 with. So I guess another question would be... Assuming the engine is shot. What would a fair price be for the boat? I was thinking around $1800 to $2000. Don't know if he'd take it but I don't think he'll be able to sell it for what he wants if the engine won't even start. Opinions???

Boatin Bob · Mar 13, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

I think you should take the offer from the mechanic, it's not an unreasonable request to the seller to have a mechanic check it out (unless he has something to hide) worst case is you'll be out $140 for the mechanic to look at it and you'll be that much wiser, best case is the problems could be minor and you can use them to negotiate the price....good luck!

nomad317 · Mar 13, 2003

Re: 94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

You're right Boatin Bob. He does have something to hide. He knows the engine is shot. I just got off the phone w/ him to set up a time tomorrow. He stuttered and was grasping for something to say that made any sense... he failed at that. Finally he said "somebody came by after I looked at it and, umm, bought it... sorry" I may not know everything about boats but I'm not a complete idiot. (my wife may argue that point) Apparently he knows the motor is #$@@*&! and I know a week from now, the boat will still be in his driveway. No loss to me but I hope he doesn't rip off anybody. Thanks All!!!!!!!!!! And so the quest continues...

94 OMC 4.3 v6 won't turn over but it tries

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