Before running engine

J

Jason717

New Member
Jul 25, 2007
5
South Carolina
First I want to say hello and your forum looks very helpful.

I had just recently purchased a 1994 220 signature that had been sitting in storage for about 5 years without seeing any usage. The outside and interior cleaned up good but I wanted to know what I should check pertaining to the engine and drive system. It has a 5.7 mercruiser with about 150 hours. Everything looks very clean but that will not help when it comes to turn the prop. I was wondering what I should do before I try to start it for the first time. I know I need to change all of the fluids, but is there anything else?

Thanks Jason
 
Welcome to the board.

It would be helpful if you give us a few more details on the engine, carburated, fuel injected?

Type of drive, Alpha, Bravo 1 2 or 3

The more information you can give when asking a question will give members a better opportunity to give you the right answer.

Best of luck with your restoration.
 
I would give a little shot of WD-40 in all the spark plug holes.

I would also leave the coil wire off and crank it over a few seconds before trying to start it.

Make sure you run on flush muffs before starting it also.

Check the shift cable boot, and drive shaft bellows. Any sign of being stiff or cracked, they will need to be replaced before you splash.
 
Here are a few of the things I would do if it were my boat.

When you say you will change all the fluids, that is a good first start. Change the engine oil and filter and the outdrive gear lubrucant. Plus, in all likelihood the fuel left in the tank and the carb is pretty bad too after sitting for five years even if it was treated with fuel stabilizer. If it is possible to get rid of the fuel, I would do that first and then put in fresh gasoline. I would also change the fuel filter(s). If you have to use up the old fuel then top up the tank with fresh gasoline and change the fuel filters again after you run that tank thru the engine. If the carburetor is gummed up real bad, you may have to rebuild it. I guess you won't know that until you try to get the motor running. For sure your sea water impeller should be changed. After sitting for five years it has taken a "set" and could fail on you. I would thoroughly inspect the bellows on the outdrive for any signs of cracking. If you think the bellows are original to the boat, you probably should consider changing them. I would remove the outdrive and lube the u-joints, grease the splines, and inspect the gimball bearing and lube that as well. Check the engine alignment too at this time. I normally leave this type of servicing to my dealer since I don't like wrestling with outdrives nor do I have the alignment tool. You may also want to consider removing the risers and elbows and inspect them to see what kind of shape they are in. If they are bad or they fail, you could experience water ingestion in the engine which could result in engine failure. I would also change the thermostat. Initially, I would try to start the engine on muffs with the boat out of the water. Once the engine is running check for any signs of water leakage around the hoses and exhaust manifolds. I would let the engine come up to temperature at idle. Once you are satisfied that everyting appears to be OK, then put the boat in the water. Make sure you see no signs of water in the bilge when you first put it in. If you see water try to ascertain where it's comming from before you leave the dock.

Let us know how things work out for you.
 
Thanks for the quick replies. For the engine, I know it says 350 Magnum Alpha one on the Carb cover. It will prob be a few weeks before I even get to starting it up. I am def going to start it out of water with the muffs on first and see how that goes. This I/O engine is a whole new thing to me so I appreciate your help.
 
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