used pontoon purchase

[ernie andria]

I bought a 1995 Spectrum pontoon yesterday, with a 60hp merc big foot. should i just try to start or do you guys recomend taking to a mechanic first.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: used pontoon purchase

Welcome to iboats.

Depends on how much experience you have with outboards. When was it last run? Do you have a manual? Do you know what the history is on the motor? When was the impellar last changed.....There are procedures to starting an outboard that has been sleeping. Read this http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: used pontoon purchase

I would also recommend you get a manual for the motor. The investment in a manual is less money then about a half hour of a mechanics time. It will instruct you about the standard maintenance to keep things running right.

The 60 hp big foot is a 60 hp engine coupled to a beefier lower unit and is made for heavy work.

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: used pontoon purchase

was it not run for you at purchase?? if not and you are mechanically inclined then i would get a manual and READ it first then do all maintenance steps before lighting it off good luck

 

[5150abf]

Re: used pontoon purchase

You kinda got it backwards, you should have taken it to a mechanic BEFORE you bought it, we will hope everything is okay.

I would at the least change the lower oil and start it on muffs in your drive before taking it out, at least you know it runs then, do not run the engine above 1500 rpm without a load on it.

If you are at all mechanicly inclined you can do alot of the basic stuff yourself, water pump, lower oil, plugs, as stated get a manual and get going.

If you don't know what a philips screw driver is then yes probably take it to a pro.