In season maintenance? Thinking of the power steering fluid and ignition?

[Fiat4Fun]

Howdy,
I have a 1986 Chris Craft Scorpion with a 260hp Mercruiser with a Alpha One.
The thing has been rock solid, and has 649 hours on it.
Had the Gimbal bearing done prior to the start of the season, and had the impeller and bellows replaced, along with the lower shift cable done about three seasons ago. Last year I replaced the plugs. I have the fluids done every year during winterization, along with the fuel separator and engine oil filter done.

So, just trying to think about other routine maintenance? I was thinking the power steering fluid? If so, is it changed like I do on my cars? Any special fluid that should be used?

What about the ignition system. It looks to be a Thunderbolt system, that has never been touched. Anything that should be done with that? I have changed the cap and rotor in it, and have a spare on board in case.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I a just trying to stay ahead of the game.......

Enjoy the boat, but this week it is cold an rainy.....

Thanks
Bob

 

[Failproof]

Re: In season maintenance? Thinking of the power steering fluid and ignition?

Trim pump fluid every 2 years for me. Ps pump every 5. Ps I pull the return, run it into a bucket, remove belt, and run pump by hand, till dry. Fill it with fresh, and repeat. Replace hose, fill, and bleed. Thats me, fresh water, 60 to 80 hours max a year.

 

[cr2k]

Re: In season maintenance? Thinking of the power steering fluid and ignition?

Your impeller should be done every 2 years so you are a year overdue. More important than PS fluid. Just sayin'.

 

[achris]

Re: In season maintenance? Thinking of the power steering fluid and ignition?

Power steering and Trim fluids aren't under a great deal of pressure or heat loading, and almost no shear loading... As long as they are clean, should last forever... The Thunderbolt IV ignition system is very reliable and as long as there's no corrosion on any of the connectors (including the ones on the module in the distributor) should also be maintenance free.. Just, as you have already done, cap, rotor and plugs. If the plug leads are still original, I'd ditch them and put a nice new set of silicone leads on.

The main maintenance items are the water pump impeller, engine oil and filters (both oil and fuel), drive oil. Squeeze a bit of grease into the various grease fittings around the beast and you should be good to go... Just keep a keen eye on things like bellows and cable and wiring (for chaffing), you know, the usual things you watch....

Oh, and exhaust elbows and manifolds... Watch them! Elbows last about 5-6 years, manifolds about 10....

Chris........

 

[Fiat4Fun]

Re: In season maintenance? Thinking of the power steering fluid and ignition?

Thanks for the input.
I didn't even think about the trim fluid, and not sure when it was changed last. Should I use the Mercruiser stuff or just power steering fluid?
I was thinking about the plug wires, should I just use Mercrusier wires or is there a better option?

Also, on the manifolds and elbows, what should I watch for??? The boat has been only used in fresh water. How long should they last?

Looking forward to the weather improving during the coming week...........

Keep the advice coming.....

 

[achris]

Re: In season maintenance? Thinking of the power steering fluid and ignition?

For trim oil you can use either Dextron ATF or straight weight 30 oil...

Plug wires, I'd avoid 'genuine' (too expensive for what they are), use a premium silicone lead set from an automotive shop. Take your pick from this lot -> http://www.summitracing.com/search/...small-block-Gen-I/Spark-Plug-Boot-Ends/Stock/

Elbows need to be removed for inspection of them and the manifolds. You're looking for corrosion of the internal water passages and of the gasket mating surfaces. Once you have the elbows off, flip them upside down on a bench. Take a large screwdriver and give the 'roof' of the exhaust passage a few good whacks with the screwdriver. If you can punch a hole in them, it's time to replace.

Not a great deal of difference in lifespan between salt and fresh water.... If you find a reasonable amount of corrosion in the water passages, it would also be a good time to pull the thermostat housing and check everything in that area too...

Chris........

 

[Fiat4Fun]

Re: In season maintenance? Thinking of the power steering fluid and ignition?

So, if the risers and manifolds are original, would I notice any difference with the motor running if they were clogged? Would I see higher water temps on the gauge? I have put my hand on the risers with the motor running, and they are not overly hot.
Is there a way to see if they are original? This is a boat from 1986, so I assume they had Mercruiser risers, so would they have a date stamp or just a number?

Any advice is appreciated. Not looking to have issues, just want to stay a step ahead. Are there any vital signs that happen before the motor goes????
Thanks