Im new and need help!

[Brock.Ward]

Hello Everyone!
I just purchased a 1987 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy. I have a few questions.
The engine turns over but will not start, the owner stated he had it out on memorial day and it overheated due to the thermostat sticking. Now it just turns and wont start. Mechanic said possible head gasket or worse. I am really good with car engines so i bought this boat as a project. This is my first boat and i cant seem to find a manual, or any information on this boat. Does anyone know where i can find this? Also a few of the rollers are shot on the boat and chipped some of the fiberglass or plastic on the bottom...what would you do to fix that? Is it major? I have many more questions so if anyone can get in touch with me, email me or help me out it would be appreacited.

 

[Kainon]

Re: Im new and need help!

Manuals can be found in the Main Forum for Engines, (mercruiser, OMC.. depending on brand).

Repairing the Fiberglass can be simple cleaning with a dremel tool to remove loose stuff and patching with Gel-Coat Patch or MarineTex.

Do a compression check of the engine.

 

[Brock.Ward]

Re: Help needed. Bought a 1987 OMC Starcraft

Re: Help needed. Bought a 1987 OMC Starcraft

yep you did thatnks for the help!
I did a compression test. Compression should be around 140 its at 30.

 

[Kainon]

Re: Help needed. Bought a 1987 OMC Starcraft

Re: Help needed. Bought a 1987 OMC Starcraft

Right, Factory compression for that engine is 140, and if its at 30 ( not 130) then I'd say you need to take the cylinder head off and have a look.

I like to have all the plugs out, battery charged or on a charger and you crank until the needle on the comp gauge stops moving ( typically 3-5-8 comp stroke cycles.)

 

[Brock.Ward]

Re: Im new and need help!

yeah i was planning on taking it apart, didn't know if you had any other ideas... Probably a head gasket, doubt its a cracked cylinder etc. Any ideas or feedback on where i can get information on that boat or motor? I dont know anything about that boat, engine etc, i am trying to do some research but cant get any manuals, tech information, nothing. Any good websites you recommend?

 

[carcraze]

Re: Im new and need help!

Go to the adult section here and all the manuals should be there that you may require.

 

[Brock.Ward]

Re: Im new and need help!

Looks like you have to pay for them. Correct? Or am i missing somehting? Thanks

 

[jagilbert]

Re: Im new and need help!

No you dont have to pay to download the pdfs that are posted in the AdultsOnly section. They are hosted on a site that makes it seem like you need to buy their download software, but you dont. I dont remember the exact steps but click around and you'll figr it out.

 

[Brock.Ward]

1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

I bought this boat going knowing it had engine problems and now and trying to get some feedback or pictures if you have the same engine. The previous owner stated that he took it out on memorial day and it started overheating, got towed back and brought the boat to his mechanic. The mechanic did a compression test and said probably the thermostat got it to overheat and the compression was at 30 when it should be at 140. Anyhow, he said possible head gasket or worse. Any ideas? Help? Feedback? Troubleshooting? The engine cranks but doesnt start. This is my first project. I am very good with Car engines but want to any help. When i crank it should i have the back end engine in a barrel of water? Does it matter? Where do i start? From looking at the top of the engine seems like a lot of work to get the head off. See pictures.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

Welcome Aboard

You absolutely have to have a set of water mufflers attached to the lower unit any time you start her up.

A tub of water will not work.

Did you take it to a MARINE mechanic???? The first place I would look at for overheating is the water impeller in the lower unit..If you have been starting it without water, it is toast now anyways.
With those type of compression #'s, I would say your head gasket is blown..

Others far schmarter than I am will stop in as well..

Good luck

 

[Brock.Ward]

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

Nope haven't started it up. I am new to boats so what are water mufflers? Where do they go? If i have the whole bottom end of the engine in the water it wont work huh? I have a huge drum i was going to stick it in....

So i basically have to fix it then bring it to a lake and hope it starts...LOL.

 

[carcraze]

Re: Im new and need help!

I had trouble DLing the manuals I needed and finally did the free register thing no money paid and they DLed fine after that.

 

[Kainon]

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

First, with 30psi of compression on that engine, regardless of 1 cylinder or 2 you need to have the cylinder heads removed to see what's going on, if its a blown head gasket or melted piston.

much lower than 100-110 psi on a cylinder and the engine is not going to run very good at all.

as mentioned you need to either have the boat in the water when running or on "muffs" they attached to the outdrive and are fed with a water hose.

Second, you'll need to check/replace the impeller and or housing, it's usually in the outdrive but sometimes it's an accessory on the front of the engine.

Next you need to check the cooling system for leaks, cloggs, either from the old impeller or cracks in the exhaust manifold or worse, the heads or engine.

and you'll want a new thermostat at least.

 

[Brock.Ward]

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

Where can i get muffs? And how do i hook them up?

 

[Kainon]

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

Re: 1988 Starcraft Select 191 Cuddy Engine Problems

The muffs(motor flushing kit) should be available on this or almost any marine supply place, even Walmart has them

http://www.iboats.com/Outboard-Inbo...8179703--**********.491257480--view_id.366311