Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

[scondie]

I just inherited a 1970 ArenaCraft with an inline MerCruiser inboard/outboard. The boat has been stored in AZ in a garage or under double tarps outside. The interior and structure look great, but I'm not sure where to start with the engine.
The engine has 245 hours on it. My initial thought is to change out all of the fluids, pull the plugs are spray fogging oil down the cylinders, verify the wiring is intact, attempt to turn it by hand/wrench, then attempt to turn it over with the starter. Any feedback on my plan or other ideas would be appreciated.
What are the chances of getting this engine running without a major overhaul? It was winterized before being stored and has been in a dry climate. It was also meticulously cared for before being stored. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Scott

 

[dan t.]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

Your plan sounds exactly right, the first thing to find out though is find out if it is seized up, if it turns go for it.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

I'm thinking new fuel filters or water seperator if it has one, and a carb rebuild if gas was left in although after 20-years, it would have evaporated by now. Not sure what it may have done as far as any build up in there. Might run but not not good without going thru the carb.

If you get er runnin, replace everything rubber on the engine.

Good Luck n keep us posted
Eric

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

BEFORE you turn that engine over, get an oil pump priming tool and prime the oil system.
Second pull the spark plugs and see if you can turn the engine by hand.

Can't give too much detail, we have no idea what engine and drive you have.
Look at this thread. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=220416

 

[scondie]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

Apologies for not updating sooner. According to the identification procedures in the service manual I have, the engine is a MerCruiser 165 6 cylinder inline. The stern drive is a MerCruiser I. I'm guessing it's an "R" or pre-alpha based upon the year and identifying features I've seen online.
So far I've changed the engine oil and drive oil. I've also installed a new battery and sprayed fogging oil down the cylinders. Any other suggestions as to what I should do before attempting to start it? My plan is to attempt to turn it over by hand using a breaker bar, but I can't seem to figure how to do that. The main pulley on the crankshaft is blocked by a motor mount. The flywheel is covered by the drive. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the help,
Scott

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

might be able to turn it from the alternator. belt will need to be tight. If you put it in gear ( forward) and turn prop backwards you might break it lose. ( stand on prop)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

The flywheel is covered by the drive.

Ayuh,... Pull the Drive off,....
Get the motor Runnin', 'n service the outdrive seperately...

 

[ziggy]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

My plan is to attempt to turn it over by hand using a breaker bar, but I can't seem to figure how to do that.

i use a strap wrench on the large tapered pulley on the ft. of the engine that is accessible. to turn the engine over by hand. w/o spark plugs installed..

BEFORE you turn that engine over, get an oil pump priming tool and prime the oil system.

did ya do that. if not, it seems like it'd be a great idea. all friction brgs. in the engine would be bone dry i'd think after 20 years.
wish i could help more. mine was stored for 15 years. but i wasn't present when it was brought out of hibernation so i have no idea how the dealer who consigned my boat brought it back to life. but they did so i know it can be done. good luck with her.

 

[palace]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

Marvel mystery oil in each cylinder, drain all gas if any and add fresh gas, check all fuel lines for dry rot AZ sun really eats up rubber (remember it is a dry heat), you may want to go ahead redo seals and gaskets. You will have to invest time and just parts, if bow and shell is solid. Just focus on engine and outdrive. Oil/lube changes in engine and outdrive. Treat as fresh startup.

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

If you dont have that priming tool my suggestion is to pull all the plugs out and (after fresh oil is in obviously), crank it over. I would think thats the next best way to prime the system before startup. Cranking rpm's isnt that much and I dont believe that your bearing surfaces would generate any amount of heat.

 

[dingdongs]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

pull all plugs and as stated before try and turn it over by putting in gear and turn prop.you may be lucky.the rings may have seized in the pistons too as its been standing and the chance is the drive seals will be perrished so if the engine checks out treat it carefully.get back to us with some info when found out!!!!!

 

[scondie]

Re: Starting 1970 MerCruiser after 20 years storage

Well I've got the engine turning over with the starter. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get the engine started. I have verified that ignition system is providing spark. I've done a "thumb over the spark plug hole" compression test. The fuel pump is questionable, but I've tried filling the carburetor bowl directly and also tried using starter fluid. Still no luck. At this point I figured it was the timing. I tried getting the timing roughly right by finding TDC of the #1 cylinder than aligning the rotor and distributor as the shop manual suggests. This, and some systematic adjustment of the timing, has gotten a few coughs and sputters, but no start. I thought I was really close because I was getting more consistent pops and puffs of smoke from the exhaust. It still wasn't starting so I opened the carb and the bowl was dry. I filled it with some gas, but now I'm getting nothing from the engine. Not even a cough or sputter.
I'm running out of ideas. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for the help.