Fuel pump operation & test firing - Initial condition survey

[M3Eater]

i'll be looking at a derelict (free) 83 270DA (single 330 7.4) this Saturday. As noted in a prior post, the boat has been out of the water for 3-years, came out for a riser (that's the story anyway).

If the boat passes the initial visual and hull parts of the survey (we could be done in 5-minutes .... depending on the initial visual ...), once I get to the engine, I plan on hand turning to see if it is free. If it is, I'll disconnect the fuel line and try the starter (bringing battery and cables for this as well as other electrical system tests). If it cranks, I'll shoot it with starting fluid. If it fires, I would plan on muffing it and seeing if it will run from a remote fuel can into the carb inlet, using gravity to fill the bowls.

Do these boats use any electric fuel pumps, or just the standard engine block mounted mechanical pump that a common big-block or small-block would have?

 

[hottoddie]

1983 is pre electric fuel pump era unless the boat has been retrofitted or repowered. Pretty easy to tell. Also if you disconnect the fuel line make sure you disconnect it on the intake side of the fuel pump and not the pressure side or you will be in for trouble. Take it easy with the starting fluid as it can crack pistons. I prefer just dumping a little fresh gas down the carb and put the flame arrester back on before cranking.

 

[M3Eater]

Yeah, the fuel alone is a good thought on an unknown engine. And, yes, certainly will disconnect the fuel pump inlet and clamp it.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[M3Eater]

Well, it was as bad as I figured it likely would be (but held hope that there was a minimum chance that it would not be). Total basket case. Ahhh well .... moving on and keeping the feelers out.

 

[KnotEasy]

Hi Gordon !!! Moved on from your Four Winns boats I see. Good to see you re-surface

 

[M3Eater]

Yes, sold the 268 two seasons ago.... get rid of the loan. Need to get back on the water ....
I've been looking at the '80s 270 Sundancers, or perhaps a 268 (in some level of project mode) as a "inexpensive" way to get back into a cruiser and not keep writing checks when it's sitting next to the house. Well, not as large anyway ......

Thanks for saying HI!