A Ford 302 that hasn't been started in 4 years. Problems?.....

[btravlin2]

This Shamrock 20 is a real project. I don't know if I'll buy it or not. First things first: the motor hasn't been started at all in 4 years. And it can't be started even to do a compression test, because the Velvet Drive tranny is seized. My instincts are to walk away from this, but I'm not an experienced mechanic......just a back-yard type.

What issues are presented with a sitting motor for this duration that I should be aware of, and could cause me major headaches? I'm aware that the carb will need rebuilding. My concerns are about gaskets, seals, inside corrosion potential.

BTW......does anyone have an idea of the cost to rebuild a Velvet Drive? He says the cooler leaked, the plates got hot, and are now sticking.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: A Ford 302 that hasn't been started in 4 years. Problems?.....

The owner cannot sell the boat at a fair price unless the tranny is working properly and the engine can be fired up. If he's unwilling to send it to a mechanic, walk away and look for another boat that runs.

Everyone needs to work together in good faith. Any used boat needs to be mechanically checked out by a qualified marine mechanic. With $110 per hour labor @ dealerships, there's no reason to buy junks that don't run properly.

 

[Ned L]

Re: A Ford 302 that hasn't been started in 4 years. Problems?.....

I always liked those Shamrock boat (because they have nice lines and ARE an inboard). Velvet drive reverse gears are pretty easy to come by so it may make more sense to replace it than have that one rebuilt. That does make the situation difficult though,... not being able to get any sense of engine condition prior to buying. I think I'd make an offer based on the expectation of needing at least a long block and raplaced or rebuilt reverse gear.
--- And I agree with Bubba. Three years is nothing, but you can't tell if things are ok.

 

[btravlin2]

Re: A Ford 302 that hasn't been started in 4 years. Problems?.....

Rebuild kits for the VD are cheap, and I'm good enough to do it with a manual, but being clueless about the condition of the motor is a red flag. Ned is correct......the assumption must be that the motor could be shot. And that is the "real" reason the seller hasn't fixed anything himself.

So I take it......"properly" stored means squirting some oil in the cylinders and fuel conditioner in the carb?

 

[keith2k455]

Re: A Ford 302 that hasn't been started in 4 years. Problems?.....

Let's not forget you can't believe any opinion of how well it ran before being stored

 

[btravlin2]

Re: A Ford 302 that hasn't been started in 4 years. Problems?.....

I passed on it. I looked at it today.....a jigsaw puzzle, and the seller said he couldn't say for sure that the motor didn't need rebuilding. Cool looking little boat, though.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: A Ford 302 that hasn't been started in 4 years. Problems?.....

I passed on it. I looked at it today.....a jigsaw puzzle, and the seller said he couldn't say for sure that the motor didn't need rebuilding. Cool looking little boat, though.

Shamrock's are great boats. They had a corner on handling with a direct drive. The keel was the key. Nice boat.

A Ford 302 is easy to replace, they're everywhere. And a great marine engine with it's flat torque curve. Any Ford Auto engine can be rebuilt to marine spec.

The tran's, that's your call.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: A Ford 302 that hasn't been started in 4 years. Problems?.....

I have rebuilt velvet drives for over 30 years and have never seen one locked up. Only thing I could think of to lock one up would be full of water for extended time and just rusting up.