Bringing it back to life...

[hole-in-da-water]

Hi All, been crusing around a while, looks like a great site. Since it is getting close to my boating season here in good ol' northeast ohio, I figured I would ask for some suggestions for my upcoming issues.

I have an 86 citation with either a 2.3 or 3.0 OMC i/o in it. Money for me is a major deciding factor in what I do with this boat. Anyways, last season I was preparing to winterize it by myself for the first time, and was unable to get the engine started. The starter cranked, but the engine did not turn over. This was after I had put fuel stabilizer in the gas tank, which was about half full. So, being in a bind for money, short on time, and not having a repair manual, I drained the manifolds and stored the boat away. (non-heated shed) This season, I have purchased a repair manual and I am ready to get at the thing. I would just like some opinions/suggestions on a few things. Where and how should I start looking for the problem with the engine not firing? What problems might I be encountering because I didn't completely winterize? How should I approach these problems? What kind of money and I going to be spending? And I didn't even look at the lower unit, should I be concerned with that as well? Thanks everyone.

From a novice boater/mechanic.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

i'd start with priming the oil pump, then a compression check. then a spark check, no one can guess $$$. till we know what's wrong. check the outdrive oil for water, a little late.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

I drained the manifolds

If that's All you Drained,........ You've got Serious Problems......

You should Start with Reading your Book,+ Figure out What your motor is,......
Then go out,+ do an Oil Change,+ Service on the Motor,+ Drive........
By the time you've got That done,......
You'll Know how much of What is Cracked from Freezeing........

Good Luck,............ Ya Need it.......

 

[tystick]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

if money is a major deciding factor , i hope all you need is a tune up.

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Sheesh, it might be that bad huh? I am really a beginner when it comes to this stuff, and I have yet to go through the book, but any specific suggestions when dealing with the drive? Also, any tips on what to use to get the old oil out? Again, haven't taken the time to go through the shop manual yet...Thanks in advance, and please excuse me, I don't know what I am doing mecahnically with a boat...yet...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Sheesh, it might be that bad huh? I am really a beginner when it comes to this stuff, and I have yet to go through the book, Again, haven't taken the time to go through the shop manual yet...Thanks in advance, and please excuse me, I don't know what I am doing mecahnically with a boat...yet...

What da ya say,........

Read your Book, so you can tell Us Exactly What you Have.................

with either a 2.3 or 3.0 OMC i/o in it.

That's alittle Vague,+ It Really Does Matter..........

 

[Coors]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Th
e starter cranked, but the engine did not turn over. Did it turn over, or just not start?

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

I believe it's a 3.0.

As far as starting, I am gonna start looking at the ignition system then go from there. The engine just wouldn't turn over. I cranked it, but no spark and run.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

again does it not turn over ie the engine does not turn? or does it not fire. There is a difference

 

[MJ76]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Before you put it away, did you drain the block?? I wouldn't bother too much with a tune up on a motor with a cracked block. I know how cold it gets up there.

Have you tried to start it on ether? That would give you a clue as to whether you had a fuel problem. Other than that, I'd pull the cap and make sure it's dry, and take a look at the points. If you have a timing light, you could use that to check for spark.

The 2.3 has a timing belt rather than a chain, and is easily identified by the timing belt cover in the front. Also, the 3.0 has the intake / exhaust manifold on the port side. And it's been a while since I've seen one, but I think I remember the 2.3's exhaust manifold being on the starboard side. Someone else might be able to confirm / correct me on that...

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Turning over: Sorry, must not be up on my understandings. The engine cranks, it just didn't fire. You know, whr whr whr whr whr. Then nothing. Sounds normal for every time I have ever started it, just doesn't fire up. Hope that helps, sorry I am making it difficult.

Draining: I opened up the two petcocks on the manifold and drained out the water. As far as winterizing, I didn't fog the carb, change the oil, or even touch the lower unit. It was cold this year, so I am hoping and PRAYING nothing got cracked. My luck, though it's destroyed.

3.0: I am 99.99% sure I have the 3.0. It is still in storage so I haven't pulled it out yet, jus preparing myself for the worst.

Also, is there any way I can get rid of the rubber boot on the lower unit, like maybe swap in a merc unite or something? I already had one leak in it I had to plug, and I am sure it will only get worse.

Thanks for being patient with me folks.

 

[jayzad]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

I was a first time boat owner last spring, with a boat that had been sitting awhile. The engine would crank but would not fire, came to find the carb. was gummed up and dirty. Cleaned and was ok. Good luck

 

[Windykid]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

You need to get out there and feed us some information, IE Are you getting spark? Are you getting fuel? Air? Is there a big *** crack in the motor?

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Ok, will do. Hopefully I should be pulling it out by next weekend.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Also, is there any way I can get rid of the rubber boot on the lower unit, like maybe swap in a merc unite or something? I already had one leak in it I had to plug, and I am sure it will only get worse.

Bellows do not get repaired, they get replaced.

Good situation - Ujoints and bearings get trashed
Bad situation - Your boat sinks in a matter of minutes

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

I got the feeling everyone else has,you did not drain the block just the manifolds...bad news

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

I got the feeling everyone else has,you did not drain the block just the manifolds...bad news

Sorry, mistaken usage of words. I drained both petcocks on the port side of the engine (it is a 3.0) One petcock drains the cooling system and the other drains the manifold. There was no blockage, and it was completely drained. However, I am EXTREMELY worried that something might have happened to my lower unit. I did nothing with that and the book is showing I had to drain that as well.....Oh man, I hope my stupid @$$ didn't ruin my boat. As far as the bellows goes, how hard is that for a novice garage mechanic to replace? I have the book, and regular tools. In other words, how hard is it to take the stern drive off?

 

[180shabah]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Getting the drive of is the easy part.

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

So what's the hard part?

 

[180shabah]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

installing the exhaust bellows. It is stiff and round, and needs to fit over an oval lip on the drive. Many people have converted to the exhaust tube, it only costs a few dollars more and doesn't require any special tools to install.

You need to also replace the gimble bearing (this will requie a special tool to realign the engine, which should be done anually). With the right parts and tools available, you can do this comfortably in a day, with plenty of time read and re-read the manual, as well as a few beer breaks.