I bought a boat that sat for three years what should I do before I try to start it?

Question

I got it from a friend he said it ran three years ago when he parked it.It's a 16 ft big john with a 50hp johnson motor.I replaced the gas tank a bought a new battery,whar else should I do?

Answer 1

Check the gearcase oil, make sure it's full and not full of water.  Once that's done, run the engine a bit on the hose, then change the gear oil entirely.  Make sure you use water muffs, or you'll smoke the puump.  Not much else really, just make sure she sounds good and strong, don't beat it too hard until you make sure it's not running lean, or you'll burn a piston.  I would see if it fires up, then change the plugs before I go out on the water.

Answer 2

Clean the whole motor and rinse out the cooling system. Remove the plugs (put in new ones when your done) and squirt a couple of drops of oil into the cylinders.  Turn the engine over by hand to make sure it is not seized.  If it's a four stroke change the oil (IMPORTANT). Change the oil in the lower unit while you at it. If you aren't able to do this yourself have a qualified technician do it for you. If you elect to go this route explain to him how long it's been since the engine last ran. It will be the best money you spend. He might even test run it for you. The new gas tank and battery was a good idea. Once all this has been done try to start with the electric start. HAPPY BOATING.

Answer 3

The first thing I would do would be to remove the spark plugs and spray WD-40 into the cylinders.  Then rotate the motor by hand and make sure that the motor DOES turn over easily.  After sitting for a long time and lubrication is done by oil mixed in the gas; the cylinder walls are very dry.  The rings might even be stuck in place.  Spraying small amount of oil will not harm the motor.  I would also hope that the previous owner was smart enough to let the carbs totally drain out of gas before letting it sit for a long period of time.  Otherwise, your carbs will need to be rebuilt and have the "paste" removed from them.  Remember, before you spin that motor, make sure it's hooked up to water so that you don't fry the impeller.  Even a minute of running without water will KILL your impeller which is critical in cooling your motor.  Good luck .