Boat engine not started in 11 years...?

Question

I am looking at buying a boat from a family member, but the problem is the engine has not been started in 11 years. It ran like a charm before it was put away back then. Its a 1984 mercrusier with 305 v8.

Is it worth it, or will it cause more trouble than its worth? What do I need to do to it and how much will it cost to make it reliably run again.

Answer 1

First thing to remember. A marine engine is seasonal unlike a car & have resonablely little miles so to speak on it. Therefore it will be barely broken in. Before you do anything else check to make sure it isn't seized by turning it over manually. You are going to have to remove the spark plugs at some point so remove them now which will make the engine turn over with very little resistance. If at all possible sqirt a shot of WD 40 into each cylinder. A bit of lubrication will lesson the chance of scoring the piston walls if there is a bit of corrosion around the rings from sitting.

Either clean or replace the spark plugs & check all the ignition wiring for deterioration.

If everything is in good condition change the oil & filter.  

Check the fuel lines & the fuel filter.  It probably wouldn't hurt to change it. They're not very exspensive.

Check the cooling lines & the belts.

Syphon any old fuel out of the tank & refill it with fresh fuel. Add a bottle of gas line anti freeze to the fuel to absorb any moisture left by condensation that may have accumulated over the years.

Remove the air filter & inspect the carb for dirt, varnish build up etc. Wosrt case scenario would be to have to rebuild the carb. Highly unlikely but once it's running it wouldn't hurt to spray a little carb cleaner into it.

Connect the battery & you should now be able to fire the ol' girl up!

Before you launch her tho check the seals around the out drive for deterioration also. I've seen too many go to the buttom for that reason

Once it's running strap on the ol' life jackets & take the crew for the maiden cruise.

See ya on the water. Happy Boating!!!

Answer 2

I would suggest getting a carb kit and replacing the piston rings and such.

Answer 3

clean the lines and carbruetor and throw some expensive gas in it.  there are things you can buy to add in the fuel for engines such as this.  i had a car that sat for 10 years, then i changed the lines and threw some seafoam octane booster in it and the car runs like a champ with no problems.  Obviously give the engine a tune up

Answer 4

hire a boat mechanic to check the motor and boat

worth the money if around a hundered dollars our so

Answer 5

check that there is oil in the sump,get a large wrench and attach to the crankshaft,and slowly turn engine over a couple of turns,and get the battery charged,or better still a new battery,and try starting it,it will take several attempts to warm up the cylinders,before it fires up

good luck