First start in over 10 years...need advice

[Subathai]

Hello everyone. I'm a first time owner of a '88 Sunbird Corsair. From what I've seen, it's not the most popular boat out there but it was a steal. It was in very bad shape cosmetically but I've remedied that for the most part. My question is: The boat hasn't been turned over in over ten years. It has an OMC Cobra 3.0 and the cover was left on for the duration. The boat only has 5.5 hrs and the previous owner said that there "shouldn't" be much wrong with it. What preventative measures should I take before attempting to turn the boat over? This is my first boat and I don't want to make any costly mistakes during the initial starting process. Everything looks to be in order but I'm such a newbie at this, I don't even know where/how to change the oil. I may be a hard case here but I figure if anyone can help, you guys can.

Thank you,
Sub

 

[chargerboy]

Re: First start in over 10 years...need advice

Make sure you have a new water pump, and oil in it at the very least before you try anything with the motor. An old water pump will be cracked and break as soon as you start the motor, and your engine will overheat. Old oil doesn't have the lubricating properties it should have, and you could burn your bearings in the motor. To change it, it's easiest to buy a suction oil pump, and suck it out the dipstick tube. Make sure you also change oil filter.

It's always a good idea to buy a shop manual, and read it for the best maintenance advice for your engine/outdrive.

 

[legoman67]

Re: First start in over 10 years...need advice

replace oil, new fuel filter, new oil filter, new impeller, thermostat, carb rebuild?

 

[85volvosunbirdman]

Re: First start in over 10 years...need advice

Remove spark plugs and liberally spray wd40 and let sit over night before starting as well as the other sugestions.

 

[skeat]

Re: First start in over 10 years...need advice

Like opening Pandoras box. At a minimum change the oil and filter, rebuild the carb, change the plugs cap and rotor, pull the drive. Throw out any old gas and fuel filters. You have to get everything lubricated before you try to start it, whether turning it over by hand or disconnecting the ignition and using the starter. Everything in the drive should be checked out and greased/lubricated, fluids changed. Water pump, thermostat and impeller probably need changing. I'm sure I missed alot but other people will let you know. crossing your fingers can't hurt either.

Good Luck
Shawn

 

[chargerboy]

Re: First start in over 10 years...need advice

but I'm such a newbie at this, I don't even know where/how to change the oil

lol go easy on the guy!

 

[sea wolf]

Re: First start in over 10 years...need advice

Change the gear oil in the drive before u start it. Make sure u refill it the correct way, from the MIDDLE plug. It will take about 2 quarts. And u should replace the impeller, it's more than likely dry rotted after 10 yrs.

 

[Lou C]

Re: First start in over 10 years...need advice

Well you have a lot of work to do there...first...whatever's in the gas tank...is not gas...so get it pumped out and cleaned...might have to replace all the fuel lines too...replace the anti-siphom valve on the tank it could be rusted shut...
Then...take off the carb and get it re-built and change all the fuel filters
I'd remove the spark plugs from the engine and squirt PB Blaster or Kroil in the cylinders to loosen up any rust that's in there...I sure hope the previous owner fogged this engine before he parked it...if not...you may have to get the engine honed to remove the rust on the cyl walls and replace the rings...
Then...once you can turn the engine over by hand..I'd change the engine oil (gonna be difficult because cold oil is hard to pump out) and the oil in the Cobra drive..change the drive impeller...only after doing all that would I try to start it (new battery also)...so you see a boat sitting more than a year or two is not such a great deal after all....the main issues are cleaning out the gas tank and rust in the engine....

 

[sethjon]

Re: First start in over 10 years...need advice

Also, replace the gas and purge the fuel system.

 

[Subathai]

Re: First start in over 10 years...need advice

Thank you for all the advice guys. I probably wouldn't have done...well...any of that. It just puts plans of getting it going on delay a bit but it's better than having to trash the whole boat. Thanks again.

Sub