Re: Bought first boat... Engine questions???
Congratulations on your find!! Boating can be a fun and inexpesive pastime with a little elbow grease and the desire to research for knowledge, it sounds like your on your way. First drain all fluids, engine, outdrive, trim hydraulics then replace with new ( Walmart is best buy) use a #30 straight weight high detergent oil, Walmart brand is excellent change gas and oil filters. Be sure to use gear oil in lower unit that is certified for that purpose. The gas in the carbureator has probably turned to varnish and clogged the idle passages, the fresh gas may clean it out....if not you need to diassemble it and clean. Check the 3 rubber bellows behind the bellhousing and check for dry rot or cracks, if it was stored with the out drive in the extreme up position this is very likely. If the bellows look good spray with a silicon spray (armoral or equivlant)<br />Grease all zerk fitting on bellhousing and also trailer hubs. Get a new marine battery, you don't need anything pricy($40-$50) Before you turn over your engine spray some silicon spray into the water intake screen on the lower unit the install flush earmuffs and turn on garden hose about halfway. It will take some time cranking the engine before the gas will fill the carb. Do not crank engine more than 15 seconds at time, and wait several minutes to allow starter to cool. You could speed this up by spraying starter fluid in carb. but make sure you have a fire extingusher handy. When motor starts check to make sure water is coming out exhaust ports on bellhousing...if not shut down and check pumps. Let engine idle and listen for noise while turning steering wheel left and right, any grumbling soung indicates U-joints or gimble bearing. Check out Overtons on line, they have everthing you need for cosmetic restoration and also repair manuals. When you take it out on the water for the first time do it with someone who can help you with a tow in case you need until you blow all the cobwebs out. Good luck!!!
