don't even know where to begin

[refrigraider]

well hears the story. a good friend of mines father recently passed away and he had a 1985 chris craft 186 scoripion. my friend gave me the boat and trailer. the catch is it does't run. it is in unbelievable condition i mean it looks almost new inside and out . he said his father half *****ed winterized it one year and screwed up the engine. it is taken apart it's still in the boat but the heads are off all parts are there but I don' even know where to begin don't know if it is a 305 or 350 any suggestions or help greatly appreciated

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: don't even know where to begin

Howdy,

Well, without knowing what engine, drive, outboard, inboard, I/O it has in it, very few of us will know where to begin to help!

If it's an I/O,

you can start by posting your engine and drive model/serial numbers.


Regards,

Rick

 

[45Auto]

Re: don't even know where to begin

Since you don't know what happened to the engine or why he started pulling it apart (cracked block due to bad winterizing seems very likely) the best thing to do would be pull the engine out of the boat. Either put a rebuilt engine in it or rebuild that one after making sure the block isn't cracked and all the internals are in good shape (not rusted up).

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: don't even know where to begin

Begin by getting your wallet out. Free boats can get expensive quick,,,,especially if you don't do your homework first. For help here on the boards, you need to give us what outdrive manufacture. That will help a bit on what engine you have. Numbers off the block will help identify what size engine it has. My suggestion is to use that engine as a core for a remanufactured long block. All you need to do then is make sure that the exhaust manifolds are in good condition. Most of the other parts such as the alternator, starter, and distributer can be re-used. While you will be going this route probably, and if it is a Mercrusier,,,,,you should put in a new water pump impeller in the outdrive.

You have a long way to go before your ready for the water. Do a lot of reading and searching. If you are new to boating, may I suggest a safety course. Nothing more irritating than newbies tieing up the ramp and hauling butt in a no wake zone. This is for others safety as well as your own. Good Luck and welcome to the wonderfull world of boating........SS



BTW,,,,Welcome aboard iboats

 

[cbavier]

Re: don't even know where to begin

Welcome to I Boats

Rick wrote If it's an I/O,

you can start by posting your engine and drive model/serial numbers.

That is two essentials to get any help. When you get those posted. If your patient you will get a lot of help. Don and tashasdaddy are two very knowledgeable and helpful boaters and forum members. There are many others. Be patient and give people time to respond. I think just my two cents though is to do as suggested find a shortblock and use the current block as a core since
you don't know anything about the current block.

Do take the Boaters safety course for your own safety as well as the safety of your fellow boaters. You didn't state where you are from in your profile. In Michigan two are offered USCG or Power Squadron and both are free. Then if you have your boat inspected before obtaining Insurance you will receive a discount on your insurance policy.

Again welcome to I Boats.

 

[refrigraider]

Re: don't even know where to begin

thanks for the replies, I will fill out my profile but in the mean time I live in Cincinnati Ohio and before I hit the water I definitely will take a boaters safety course. I have been boating many many times and driven lots of boats but I definitely don't know what I'm doing. But it has been a life long dream to own my own boat. I'm pretty sure it is a mercuriser, a 305 or a 350 I am supposed to get the title and manuals on Monday I should know more then as for the out-drive how can I tell what is what. all replies and input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: don't even know where to begin

Get the boat, then find the serial numbers on the drive and engine. With that, we will know what you have.

 

[refrigraider]

Re: don't even know where to begin

thanks I'll get the numbers

 

[refrigraider]

Re: don't even know where to begin

here is the engine s/n a328748 I still don't have the drive number yet, I am going out there this weekend and I'll get it then. I am going to try and see if the block is cracked, the boat came with a clyme mercruiser manual and it told me where to look for the cracks. I am pretty sure it is a 305 from the H.P. rating on the title.

 

[Don S]

Re: don't even know where to begin

Well, that is a Mercruser SN and it does have an MR (Pre Alpha) outdrive.
Here is a free, online service manual link for the outdrive.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Here is a service bulletin that will help you further ID the engine.
http://www.marinepartsman.com/Mercury-Marine-service-bulletins/MerCruiser/2005/EN_08.PDF

 

[refrigraider]

Re: don't even know where to begin

Thanks Don , that helps a lot i have another question for you if you don't mind . The heads have been off this motor I think since 2004 it has been covered in plastic very well and kept in a barn but that still doesn't keep moisture out. My question is if the block is not cracked do you think it is worth trying to get this motor running or possibly just buy a complete rebuilt one. Thanks again.

 

[Clea]

Re: don't even know where to begin

well hears the story. a good friend of mines father recently passed away and he had a 1985 chris craft 186 scoripion. my friend gave me the boat and trailer. the catch is it does't run. it is in unbelievable condition i mean it looks almost new inside and out . he said his father half *****ed winterized it one year and screwed up the engine. it is taken apart it's still in the boat but the heads are off all parts are there but I don' even know where to begin don't know if it is a 305 or 350 any suggestions or help greatly appreciated

The Heads should be stamped on the rear or under the center exhaust ports, or Stamped on the block around the distributor or on back of block, 350 or 305

 

[Don S]

Re: don't even know where to begin

Without seeing it, I wouldn't even guess as to what shape it's in. Since the heads are off, it's going to be easy to ID if it's a 305 or a 350. Just measure the cylinder bore. 3-3/4" = 305, 4" = 350.
If it's a 305, and the cylinders are all rusty or if there is water in the oil, I would just go looking for a 350 long block and not spend much time on a 305.
All the manifolds, carbs, starters, distributors, manifolds, etc. will all bolt right up. Just get the proper year long block.

 

[refrigraider]

Re: don't even know where to begin

Thank ya Don thats what I thought you would say.

 

[Bondo]

Re: don't even know where to begin

I would just go looking for a 350 long block and not spend much time on a 305.

Ayuh,........ Exactly.........Not a Dime........