Installing a lower unit to test boat

[ssoder]

I have found what I think is a good buy on an 88 Bayliner bowrider with a 2.3 liter OMC engine. Before I pull out the checkbook the current owner is willing to let me test it out first. The prblem is that it hasn't been run in two years! He stopped using it when the lower unit went out. He since had the lower unit repaired but just hasn't put it back on the boat. My question is can I simply bolt ths in place and put the boat in the water? I'm a decent automotive mechanic and have been around boats but really haven't worked on them much. I've researched this site and I think it is a great resource but honestly the more I read the more scared I am of doing more damage to this engine. This is my plan:

1. Check all fluids in the engine.
2. Test the ignition system throughly before sarting engine.
3. Drain the old gas and start fresh.
4. Pressure test the cylinders (I'd prefer to do this If I get it running after it has warmed up)
5. install the lower unit and run the engine with muffs (this is the part I'm most worried about)
6. If I get it running well put it in the water to truly test the engine.

Again my big concern is the lower unit. I think I know enough to get the engine running without causing problems. And if anyone has any suggestions I'm open to them all.

Thanks!

 

[Apollo75]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

I my opinion I would get the upper unit service kit with the gasket and seals and put it together. All checks done with grease, lube and inspection ---- run it on muffs to check coolant flow and shifting ---- then to water ---- back it into the water and keep it attached to the trailer while you turn on the blower and check for leaks.

Lower unit is off ? I would change the impeller.

Others will get whatever I missed.


Have Fun

OFM

 

[Thad]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

Now, I have to ask.
If yo DO buy the boat, is the seller gonna give you a really, really big discount?
And,
If you DON'T buy the boat, do you get anything other than experience for doing this for him?

Also, where has the boat been stored? What is the condition of all the rubber? The deck? Transom? A lot to consider.
Now, if it is a project boat that you want to work on over the winter and you are getting a steal on it, sounds like you are in the right direction.

 

[ssoder]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

let me clarify my original question. It is actually the complete outdrive that is off of the boat. Everything behind the transom. This is all complete as one unit currently and supposedly completely rebuilt. This is what I would need to reinstall. Is the installation as simple as it looks? Looks like inserting the shaft and bolting it into place. Sorry for not clarifying this in the original post. I'm new to forums as well as boats.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

You've got a few things working against you.

It's an OMC - they've been out of business for awhile and parts are not easy to get nor is service

It's a 2.3 which I think is even harder to get parts for.


good luck

 

[Thad]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

Almost. You need an alignment tool to check that everything is in place. If it is out of alignmetn, you can get the shaft in but eventually tear up the bearing. If you are just checking it, I do not know if this is a large factor right now. Someone else may know more.

But as far as putting it on, yes it is that easy. Shaft and six nuts. Be sure to check the sticky at the top to see how to install the shift cable.

 

[ssoder]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

The boat is definitely a project. The hull and transom seem sound but obviously I havn't had it in the water yet. The deck is rotten and has had a feelble attempt at fixing it once. I'm probably looking at replacing the back two thirds at best. The current owner said it ran great right up to the lower unit problem. Unfortunatly his tarp ripped at about the same time so it has sat outside untarped for about two years in Wisconsin. Oh yeah the upholstry is shot. It is a 1750 from what I've researched and he is asking $850 but I think he will take less.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

The big problem I see is that the possible reason the drive failed in the first place was that the lower shift cable failed. If it was my boat, I would be replacing that shift cable or at least making sure it was ok and adjusted correctly before I put the drive on. Not sure if you want to spend the $100 to replace the cable before you have even bought this boat.

Actually, if it was me, I would pass on this OMC powered boat and I would also pass since it is a Bayliner. I owned an 87 Bayliner with an OMC once so I realize what you are up against.

 

[ssoder]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

You've got a few things working against you.

It's an OMC - they've been out of business for awhile and parts are not easy to get nor is service

It's a 2.3 which I think is even harder to get parts for.


good luck

When you say parts are not easy to get is that for both the engine and the outdrive? Since the Engine is a 2.3 liter ford I would think you should be able to get most major parts. I know that the outdrive would be more difficult but I also read that this vintage of OMC uses the same size transom opening as merc. Can you put a merc outdrive on this without swapping out the engine?

 

[Apollo75]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

Ouch

My neighbor --- hate that guy --- got a free lawnmower --- runs well --- found a free 16-foot boat, 140-merc --- nice trailer, new tires, new braking system, thing has shocks Boat looks good, good upholstery, fishing pole holders, stereo amp installed. on and on --- no outdrive --- goes to his other boat with the same drive train --- engine is bad --- pulls the out-drive and is out fishing in three days


I am doing something wrong


OFM

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

I am doing something wrong

I guess what I don't understand is how does this post has anything to do with answering the OP's question.

 

[ssoder]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

I just want to say that this site is unbelievable. I'm not sure what I'm going to do at this point but now at least I know a little bit more of what I'm getting into. Thanks to everyone who has posted. I'm going to check back later to see if I get some more opinions. At this point I'm leaning towards bolting it on and giving it a couple of hours of my time to at least see if I can hear this thing run before I spend the cash. If it will run and I can get some life out of it the price is in my budget right now. It will not be used more than a dozen times a year. I understand the opinion on the Bayliner brand. I never thought I'd buy one myself but I just can't go another summer not being on the lake. I grew up with a 78 14.5 foot Glasstron open bow, felt like you were sitting in the water not on it, with a 90 horse merc. Loved that boat! I want my kids to experience boating before they get to old to enjoy getting thrown off a tube! Thanks again to everyone who has posted.

 

[Apollo75]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

Well, there is always another boat out there


OFM

 

[Apollo75]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

The big problem I see is that the possible reason the drive failed in the first place was that the lower shift cable failed. If it was my boat, I would be replacing that shift cable or at least making sure it was ok and adjusted correctly before I put the drive on. Not sure if you want to spend the $100 to replace the cable before you have even bought this boat.

Actually, if it was me, I would pass on this OMC powered boat and I would also pass since it is a Bayliner. I owned an 87 Bayliner with an OMC once so I realize what you are up against.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My common sense told me you already talked the guy out of buying the boat --- at least you changed his cheerful mood. So, the helping part was about over anyway.

If you like the boat and now you know what you are in for --- parts, work, cables, ---- go give her a try --- it might run fine and last a long time with a little TLC

And, there is always another boat out there if that one don't work out


Have Fun

OFM

 

[ssoder]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My common sense told me you already talked the guy out of buying the boat --- at least you changed his cheerful mood. So, the helping part was about over anyway.

If you like the boat and now you know what you are in for --- parts, work, cables, ---- go give her a try --- it might run fine and last a long time with a little TLC

OFM

Passsion versus sanity:redface:. The original question of the post is answered. And I thank everyone. Honestly, I know that this is not the best boat for me to buy. Reality is that putting a few hundred dollars into it hear and there is easier right now than spending 4 to 5k on something. The intent is get something now and see what I can get out of it and in a couple of years hopefully my financial situation will allow me to get what I really want. If the engine runs well then I think the price is reasonable. And you will probably see another thread from me complaining about all the problems I'm having with my "new" boat.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

There are all kinds of problems with the scenario you describe. Who's boat is it once it is installed. Who's fault is it if something breaks during the process. Who buys the parts needed. What happens if the boat sinks. What happens if it works great and he now wants $1850 or he keeps it, why would he pay you for the work. If you want it AND want to take a chance on ending up with a huge lawn ornament do not do any work first and just talk him way way down. He should have done all this already then tried to sell it. If it ends up all being junk once you get it home and working on it then part it out and start over.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Installing a lower unit to test boat

And you will probably see another thread from me complaining about all the problems I'm having with my "new" boat.

I am going to pretty much guarantee that but then we are here to help when/if that happens.

You would still be way better off finding another boat with a Mercruiser or a Volvo drive. If you just figure the amount of time necessary to really search for another boat will be far less than the time you are going to be repairing this one. With today's economy and with us entering the off-boating season, this is the best time to buy a boat in years. You can literally take your pick of many good buys out there and can be very selective. Since you have never owned a boat before, take the advice of people that have worked on many types of boats a lot. Go to the restoration section and see how many people are working on Bayliners...they are replacing floors, transoms and stringers.