MercMonster
Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2007
- Messages
- 151
I just bought a 1976 Ebbtide Riviera yesterday and got to really go over the problems today and now I'm here for many, many questions. This is my first boat and it does have some problems. Maybe major ones. And I'm okay with that, I think
Let me get you familiar with my boat first off. Engine is a Mercruiser Inline 6 cylinder 165 horsepower. I don't have a whole clue about the outdrive yet, but do know its a mercruiser, like that helps. I was told by previous owner the engine overheated and that the head gasket was blown. "All of the fluids were drained" and there is new oil in the engine. The battery is toast, so going to get a new one this week. So don't know a whole lot about the electronics other than when I tried to jump the battery to check to see if the engine would turn, I heard a whining noise and unhooked it when I heard that. Later found out that the transom outdrive lift was turned on and the outdrive was lifted off of the support I had it on for transport. So that seems like hydraulics may be half way good anyhow, huh? There are several wires either lose or corroded where I have no idea where they go. The gas line was cut for some reason, so I have to replace that. My biggest concern right now is that the head or block may be cracked. There IS evidence of it overheating by the Merc serial number tag being heated and shrunk to half its normal size and the plastic clips that hold the alternator wires up to the manifold have melted free. That's what really worries me. That it got that hot. I'm afraid the water pump is shot - quite a bit of rust in those crevices after removing the hoses for a peek - maybe this is normal for the water lines in a boat? This is a solid boat. And only one slightly weak spot in the whole floor, which is wood. Mid seats will have to be repaired and am hoping to design and build those myself - Something new to learn - Other than that, she's a keeper.
My first question? My friend tells me he hasn't heard of any of these engines "blowing a gasket". Is it really that rare that it happens on these engines? Am I more looking at a cracked head or block? What can I do to check for this. Will compression test check for this? I hate to replace a bunch or parts to get the thing running and then have to take them all back off again to put on a new engine. Where do I start?
Let's slip one more small question in this post for someone that can maybe help me with something else. There is a small metal hose coming off the carb to the manifold. That hose has been eat through with rust. Does that hose unscrew out of the manifold or do you have to take the manifold off to replace that part. Whether I replace the engine or not, I'd just like to know for future reference
Oh, why not one more question... How difficult is it going to be to find parts for this boat/engine/outdrive? Just curious.
Let me get you familiar with my boat first off. Engine is a Mercruiser Inline 6 cylinder 165 horsepower. I don't have a whole clue about the outdrive yet, but do know its a mercruiser, like that helps. I was told by previous owner the engine overheated and that the head gasket was blown. "All of the fluids were drained" and there is new oil in the engine. The battery is toast, so going to get a new one this week. So don't know a whole lot about the electronics other than when I tried to jump the battery to check to see if the engine would turn, I heard a whining noise and unhooked it when I heard that. Later found out that the transom outdrive lift was turned on and the outdrive was lifted off of the support I had it on for transport. So that seems like hydraulics may be half way good anyhow, huh? There are several wires either lose or corroded where I have no idea where they go. The gas line was cut for some reason, so I have to replace that. My biggest concern right now is that the head or block may be cracked. There IS evidence of it overheating by the Merc serial number tag being heated and shrunk to half its normal size and the plastic clips that hold the alternator wires up to the manifold have melted free. That's what really worries me. That it got that hot. I'm afraid the water pump is shot - quite a bit of rust in those crevices after removing the hoses for a peek - maybe this is normal for the water lines in a boat? This is a solid boat. And only one slightly weak spot in the whole floor, which is wood. Mid seats will have to be repaired and am hoping to design and build those myself - Something new to learn - Other than that, she's a keeper.
My first question? My friend tells me he hasn't heard of any of these engines "blowing a gasket". Is it really that rare that it happens on these engines? Am I more looking at a cracked head or block? What can I do to check for this. Will compression test check for this? I hate to replace a bunch or parts to get the thing running and then have to take them all back off again to put on a new engine. Where do I start?
Let's slip one more small question in this post for someone that can maybe help me with something else. There is a small metal hose coming off the carb to the manifold. That hose has been eat through with rust. Does that hose unscrew out of the manifold or do you have to take the manifold off to replace that part. Whether I replace the engine or not, I'd just like to know for future reference
Oh, why not one more question... How difficult is it going to be to find parts for this boat/engine/outdrive? Just curious.
