Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

[jasoutside]

I'd like to get this here Merc running before the serious cold weather sets in. She has been sitting for a couple years so I'd like to do this correctly. Not too long before it's hibernation it looks as though the previous owner had everything rebuilt and winterized (receipts give me that info).

1989 4.3 V6...

So here is what I have on my list...

1. Change out the oil and filter
2. Pull plugs out, shoot in some penetrating oil
3. Rotate engine by hand
4. Plugs back in
5. Drop the fuel line in fresh gas (should I change out the fuel filter too?)
6. Pray that she starts
7. Start

How am I doing? What am I doing wrong/right?

Thanks in advance guys!

Signed, Rookie IO Owner

Edit: Hook up battery and water supply, duh!

 

[dubs283]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

if the engine was properly winterized, no need for an oil/filter change - it should have been done during the previous winterize - be sure to check the level and see if oil is in good condition (not black)

no need to remove plugs and oil cylinders, if an engine sits for a week or a year, it will have the same amount of oil in and around the rings - hopefully they fogged the engine during the winterize

don't need to turn over by hand either, just crank with a fresh battery til she fires

fresh fuel is a good idea - not bad idea to change the fuel filter, and maybe fill the carb bowl with fresh gas to help her fire up

don't forget to supply water to the cooling system

i hope thats a marine alternator there??

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

1. Change out the oil and filter
2. Pull plugs out, shoot in some penetrating oil
3. Rotate engine by hand
4. Plugs back in
5. Drop the fuel line in fresh gas (should I change out the fuel filter too?)
6. Pray that she starts
7. Start

Yes change the Fuel filter or bypass for now, also look in the carb where the fuel line attaches to see if there is one there.

Looks like you have a good plan.
Good luck...

 

[Aloysius]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

I'd pull the distributor and drive the oil pump with a primer rod until you have good oil pressure. You want oil to the bearings and valve train immediately when it lights off. sometimes oil pumps lose their prime.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

I would stay with the plan of pulling plugs and oiling the cylinders.My first hand crank would be w/o plugs.I like to leave oil level 1/2 quart shy so I can add 1/2 quart to freshly lube before eventual restart.Charlie

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

I think you would still be doing yourself a favor to pull the plugs and put a little lube oil in the cylinders, not necessarily penetrating oil, but lube. As Dubs said IF it was properly winterized.. HOPEFULLY they fogged the engine. My point exactly !! Plan for the worst, hope for the best !!! Maybe it was the marina owners punk 18 yr old pot head nephews first attempt at winterizing...Just cuz the prev owner paid to have it winterized, who knows ....Do we all trust our mechanics ? Or better , do all trust somebody elses mechanic ? Not Me Then with the plugs out, try turning it by hand [breaker bar on crankshaft pulley] Yeah u could use the starter of course. I, being ultra picky, would want to feel ,in my hand how its turning over. Any scraping feel/ sound. If it turns ok . Then crank it w the starter for a few. Then put plugs back in an Fire that Sucker Up !!! Just M H O

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

Gents!

Thanks a bunch for the advise and help! Really appreciate it!



On that alternator...

How would a average joe like me figure out for sure if it's marine or auto?

I took a fast look on my way out the door and didn't see any markings or ID of any sort. I'll need to take a closer look.


A quick read tells me that having auto in there invites pyrotechnics. No thanks, I'll pass!

Edit: Looks like I'll need to look on the back for the "marine" designation.

 

[6meter]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

Put some muffs on it or back it in the water and fire it up.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

Yes, if you look at the back of the alternator you should see metal screen inside the cooling vents. They prevent a flash fire from getting out of the alternator by cooling down the flame front.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

OK, checked the alternator, it's marine so we are good there. No old school Metallica at the Pontiac Silverdome style pyro work coming out of my doghouse!

Thanks guys!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Starting a Merc V6 for the first time in a while...

They prevent a flash fire from getting out of the alternator by cooling down the flame front.