Newbie needs advice on 91 Capri 1600

[Sonny Boy]

I was given a used 91 Capri 1600 in exchange for work by my neighbor. The boat hasn't been started or registered since 1997 and has less that 50 hours on the 90 hp Force. It was tuned at a dealer in 97, used for 5 hours at a lake and sat in the driveway since. Needs new batteries, coast guard accessories, and some love. Its in fairly good shape, but I don't want to ruin it by starting it up with the old fuel and oil mixture in it(I also need to get the ear muffs to run the hose to the outboard). Newbie needs help and friendly suggestions. Thanks ahead of time folks!

 

[emoney]

Re: Newbie needs advice on 91 Capri 1600

If it were me, I'd change the lower unit fluid; pull the carb & rebuild with new
gaskets, etc.; probably change the fuel lines; clean fuel pump filter, if not replace it; change spark plugs; check
and verify compression & spark; get a 55 gal drum or large outdoor trash can, fill it with water, and try to start it up!

If it's free, it's for me! Good luck and welcome to iBoats

 

[Sonny Boy]

Re: Newbie needs advice on 91 Capri 1600

If it were me, I'd change the lower unit fluid; pull the carb & rebuild with new
gaskets, etc.; probably change the fuel lines; clean fuel pump filter, if not replace it; change spark plugs; check
and verify compression & spark; get a 55 gal drum or large outdoor trash can, fill it with water, and try to start it up!

If it's free, it's for me! Good luck and welcome to iBoats

Thanks for the advice emoney. I don't want to make matters worse by doing my own work and the task getting out of hand. How much do you think it would cost for a boat mechanic to do as you suggest? I guess I'm, gonna start throwing money into the floating hole in the water.

 

[emoney]

Re: Newbie needs advice on 91 Capri 1600

Every area is different, and even then, two mechanics can give you opposite
costs. Ask people you know that own boats and get to know the people they
recommend. You can always find willing boat owners that will discuss good
or bad service they've received. Don't, however, take the advice of the 1st
person that comes along, get a general consensus. I know in my area, there
are plenty of marine mechanics and you can generally get a "Season tune up"
which would include; lower unit fluid, impeller change, new plugs etc for less than
$200.00 which is money well spent if you're not comfortable doin g the job.

Again, I would stress that you make sure you go to someone you feel you can
trust, and that has experience working on older motors. This isn't always your
local New Boat Dealer, btw. Make sure you update your profile as you might
find someone that's on this forum close by willing to help.

 

[mrdibs1]

Re: Newbie needs advice on 91 Capri 1600

I'm with emoney 100%. From being on these posts for a couple months and looking at what's going wrong with mine and others, try to find ethanol free gas. Drain what you have and replace. Ethanol seems to be a major issue with these motors. BTW - I used my 5 year old drained gas in my weedwhacker, leaf blow, and mixed 50% for mower, and didn't blow any of them up.

 

[Sonny Boy]

Re: Newbie needs advice on 91 Capri 1600

Thanks for the advice folks. This is a great website!!! Talking to different marine mechanics and other boaters is the way to go.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Newbie needs advice on 91 Capri 1600

These motors are easy to work on.Go to the library and get a manual.
Then buy your own.Lot's of stuff on DVD on e-bay.
Good muffs or taping them in place is a good idea.A deep bucket is a better idea.Just never walk off and let it run.That's when the hose will slip out of the water.
Try to use ethanol free gas.I can't find it in my neighborhood 2 stations in my town.Use ethanol additives.If you let the boat set keep it full of gas.
Above all if you have a problem ask someone if your not sure.There are no dumb questions.
The worst thing for a boat is not using it.So enjoy.Fill out the profile.You might be close to someone who can help.J