Starting Engine after long storage

7

75torino

Member
Sep 25, 2011
45
Brogue Pa
Boat Info
1989 340 Sport Fisherman 1982 270 Sea Ray Sundancer 330 TRS drive
Engines
Twin FWC 454 Mercruisers
I have purchased a 1985 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer with twin 3.7 Mercruisers The engines have not been started since 2002 I am looking for suggestions on how to do this
I am going to remove the spark plugs and put penitrating oil in the cylinders Change the oil I will then turn the engines over using a breaker bar
On the assumption that I am sucessful with the engines I will change the out drive oil and replace the impellers. I am sure that there are other things that I should do.
Any other suggestions would be appriciated.

Thanks Conard
 
i would use fresh gas and purge as much of the old gas out of the fuel system as possible...if there is any gas in the tank i would drain it or siphon it out and replace it with fresh gas...i would also clean any old gas out of the carb float bowls if there is any still in there....to get all of the old gas out of the fuel supply line you can disconnect the fuel supply line from the carb and place the end into a container....then remove the coil wire from the distributor and crank the engine over until the fresh gas starts to come out of the line...then reattach the fuel line to the carb and reconnect the coil wire to the distributor...it probably would not hurt to add a can or two of carb/injector cleaner to the fresh gas...i personally like 'Sea Foam' brand of cleaner....you can also try to spray some carb cleaner down into the throat of the carb if you get the engines running...there is a good chance the carbs may need to be rebuilt due to the long storage period, especially if they were full of gas when the storage period began...over time the gas will turn into 'varnish' and gum up the internals of the carb...sometimes running cleaner in the gas will help clear things up but often that won't get it all out...

since you will likely want to do a complete tune-up soon why not go ahead and do the tune-up now to help in getting the engines started? this can help eliminate some of the variables in the event the engines don't want to start right away....

i would at least check the level of the drive gear lube before you start the engines...part of the drives are engaged whenever the engine is running so you want to make sure these parts are lubricated...
 
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+ 1 sea foam... great product used it this past spring and can not believe the difference. My motors were "cold blooded" now start up like EFI... cliff a has a great list of things to do and check...

Good luck
Jason
 
I agree with both replies for now I am going to use a portable fuel supply Thanks Conard
 
I picked up the boat yesterday The owner had pulled the intake manifold off the starboard engine so I am dubious about that one Wednesday I am going to look at the port one I will try to post some photos then Thanks for the help Conard
 
OK I worked on the boat today I removed the plugs and fogged it. I then attempted to get it to turn over but nothing not even a click. I also have replaced two of the batteries. I checked the nutral safety switch all looks fine there. I am open to suggestions. I have never own a twin engine boat before Thanks Conard
 
Hate to say it but probably a grounding issue or in your ingnition its self. did you try to jump it strait to the starter to see if they would try to engage or not? I dont know if you have a batter selector switch or not either? If you do make sure it is on batt 1 or 2 or both. Do you have lights in your cabin everything else seem to be working? Alittle more info on what you have tried. maybe after more info i will be of more help.... good luck


Jason
 
Yes I have cabin lights When I turn the keys I get nothing not even a power drain. This Am I am going to clean all connections and try to jump the starter directly. As I have the same issue with both engines it must be something simple it is just a matter of finding it Thanks Again Conard
 
Sounds like your solenoid may be bad coroded not getting juice... try to direct jum and see if they engage and work backwards has to be something simple. Keep us posted...

Jason
 
I do have one additional thing to add I have both carbs removed I do not think this makes a difference but I thought I would include it Conard
 
Was able to get both engines to turn over by jumping the starter. I am in the process of emptying the gas tank of all of the bad fuel. The tank if full It is a shame to throw that much fuel away but on the good side my neighbor is going to try to run it through his tractor. I put a carb from a 4.3 that I had on the one engine but I am not getting spark. My tune up parts should come tomm. I will do the tune ups and try again Thanks Conard
 
Great start... test the solenoid and see if it "clicks" when 12v is applied... if no replace and we can go from there. Glad it turns freely for you you're aff to a great start my friend...

Jason
 
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