Rubber Engine Components

[aneely]

All input welcome.

I'm a new boat owner who's fairly mechanical. I recently purchased a 1994 230DA which I've come to the conclusion sat idle for quite a while before I bought it. Only had 200 original hours on the engine but I've already had two rubber components fail, the diaphragm in the fuel pump and the main drive coupler (nightmare). Any other rubber components I should worry about? I'm thinking about changing the impeller but so far engine temp hasn't been an issue.

Thanks for the help

 

[1956olds]

better change the impeller,and have the boots checked.and inspect and lube the gimble bearings etc..

 

[h_gerry]

I would also say you should change the engine oil and outdrive lube, if you have not done so already.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Agree to all the above. Something like the impeller is, especially, a no brainer - it's only about an hour job. The bellows hoses (3 of them) can easily be checked and then decide. When the engine was out for the coupler, did the motor mounts get changed? I would assume they were at least checked in the realignment process but, if not, check those out real well. What did the oil pan look like?

Although I wouldn't put the fuel pump in the category (at least the way you're referring to it as "already had"... plus, has ethanol gas been used?) of "rubber" components, keep in mind that regardless of hours, it's got 21+ years on it. Probably wouldn't expect to have tires last 21 years, right?

You can drive yourself crazy by asking the "what else" or "what if" question. We could start listing component after component that "could" be changed out (shift cables, battery cables, steering cable, etc, etc). But the big question is, where do you stop? The impeller - definitely do that if you don't know when it was last changed. Other than that, examine things - but I wouldn't start replacing things "just because".

Trailer? What about repacking the wheel bearings and checking the braking system?