Thoughts on 82 Renken w/ Chevy II motor

[boltonranger]

I'm going to look at a used boat Saturday.<br />A 17" Renken bowrider.It has a 120 hp Chevy II engine with a year old valve job. <br />New gimble bearings also.<br /><br />I'm not familiar with I/O boats.<br />(Or this engine.)<br />What should I watch for?<br />Are there specs online for this motor?<br />Is it a decent powerplant?<br />Any other things to watch for?<br />My present boat is a 12' Lonestar w/ 6hp Evinrude so this I/O is a new animal to me.<br />Thanks for your thoughts.<br />-br

 

[Trent]

Re: Thoughts on 82 Renken w/ Chevy II motor

Yep pretty good little motor. You need to know how long its been since the manfold and riser were changed? The will rust out over time. 4-5 years for saltwater use. 15-20 years on freshwater only. Do a compression check, all cylinders should be within 15 percent of each other. You MUST do a seatrial. Look at all the bellows on the drive for dry rot/holes or tears. Look at the engine while running for any leaks for freeze damage. Make sure she shifts in and OUT of gear smoothly. Check engine oil for signs of water. Check outdrive oil for signs of metal and water. Check transom for soft spots and soft spots in the floor. Or pay a mechanic a couple hundred bucks for a pre-buy inspection.

 

[boltonranger]

Re: Thoughts on 82 Renken w/ Chevy II motor

Thank you Trent.<br />I appreciate your comprehensive answer.<br />-br

 

[Skipster1]

Re: Thoughts on 82 Renken w/ Chevy II motor

A pre-buy inspection would be the very best option especially if he does a moisture content check on the hull. They use a meter to detect moisture content and it will show if any portion of the hull is water-logged (i.e., unsafe).<br />Also, on the I/O see if it has "zincs" attached. These prevent metal corrosion in salt water.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Thoughts on 82 Renken w/ Chevy II motor

ranger .... the valve job part of your request makes me wonder.Not a problem with 90 percent of the engines I work on.Also,Merc and OMC 120 horse engines were 4 cylinders.GM's chevy II was an inline 6 as I recall.<br />DHP

 

[Trent]

Re: Thoughts on 82 Renken w/ Chevy II motor

DHP... Actually the CHevy II was a four cylinder engine. It was installed as the 110HP engine way back between 1963-1966. It was in the Chevy II Nova. There was a slight difference in the 120HP engine that was also made which is also a 153 CID engine.