awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

[jdmackes]

So I got this boat from my dad, and was all ready to redo the deck when I realized that I should probably check the engine before I go any further. I wasn't really all that concerned with the engine at first since it had been winterized and covered for the entire 7 years, but figured it would be a good idea to check it out since if it doesn't work then there's no point in replacing the deck. Once I got the new battery hooked up I checked to see if it would turn at all, and all I got was a little click. I can't move any of the pulleys, and I noticed that there is way too much "oil" in the engine. I'm assuming that its mixed with water, but it doesn't look milky. I'm going to try removing the spark plugs and squirting some oil into the cylinders and see if I can get her to move. I guess my question is, should I even bother? I don't have the money for major repairs on it, and even if I am able to break it loose and I going to have to have it rebuilt anyway?

There's quite a bit of rust all over the engine
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/jdmackes/100_1249.jpg

I tried moving the pulleys with my hands, and I tried with a wrench on the crank pulley bolt, but had no luck
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/jdmackes/100_1248.jpg

any help or advice would be appreciated

 

[Fishermark]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

Pull the drive and see if it is the drive or the engine that is locked up. Pull the plugs and squirt oil as you mention.

Also pull the oil drain plug and see if water comes out - it will settle in the bottom of the pan and not mix with the oil if it hasn't been run.

If you can get the engine to turn over by hand, you really need to pull the distributor and use an oil priming tool before trying to actually start it - if you get that far. Good luck!

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

Here are some basics:
http://www.sterndrives.com/sitting_engine.html

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

I wouldnt worry too much about the rust on the outside. Mine looked way worse. If the crankcase is full of water, I would drain that first. If it is water, you are probably done. If the engine is seized due to water intrusion, and it sat 7 years, then your rings are done. You can try to get it freed up, but I bet you wont have any compression in at least a couple cylinders.

The other thing to consider is that there is water on top of the pistons. Pull the plugs and try hitting the starter again. It might just blow out water. Then squirt that oil in there and try it again.

I would try to get it freed up, even though it might be a lost cause. You might get lucky.

Good Luck.

 

[z1nonlyone]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

Stop the bleeding now and look for another boat. I guarantee that this engine will need a complete rebuild. I can say that as we had a engine with the exact same symptoms and conditions. Even if you get it running like we did, in a very short time, it will fail.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

Howdy,


I would drain the oil first.

If there's water, remove the drive and engine.

With a boat that old, you should carefully check the engine mount stringers and transom for water intrusion and rot.

If there's no rot, you can make other decisions like getting a "wrecking-yard" truck engine etc.....

Otherwise, plan on parting out the boat and finding another one.


Sorry about that...


Rick


Oh.........and if there's a lot of water in the oil, the engine either was NOT winterized, or it was done wrong......either way, the engine is probably an anchor now....(and not a very good one)

 

[jdmackes]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

Would there be any problem with just pumping the oil out? I can't get to the drain plug and I don't have the means to pull the engine. I could buy or rent an engine lift but I figure if I can just pump it out and that'll tell if it's shot or not, why not just do that.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

Would there be any problem with just pumping the oil out? I can't get to the drain plug and I don't have the means to pull the engine. I could buy or rent an engine lift but I figure if I can just pump it out and that'll tell if it's shot or not, why not just do that.

Water in the oil will not tell you if the engine is shot. but if it's frozen, there's water in the oil, AND you have rot in the stringers and transom. There's no point of doing anything else (except parting it out.)

If you get it running and you have stringer/transom rot, the coupler will fail quickly and you'll be pulling the drive and engine anyway.

 

[jdmackes]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

I think I'm going to end up taking it to the mechanic that worked on it before. He said he can look it over and let me know everything that's wrong or needs to be replaced. He also said to check the spark plus closest to the transom to see if there was rust on it. Once I got the exhaust manifold off (which was full of rust, at least on the two middle ports) I tried to pull the spark plug, which fell apart from rust and is now half in the engine, half outside. The other three came out and looked fine, dirty but not rusty (aside from the outside of them). I know I'm probably fighting a losing battle, but I figure spending a little money to see if she'll ever run again is worth it before I just trash everything.

 

[jdmackes]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

Took her to the mechanic, have to wait a week before he can get to her though. I doubt it's going to be good news anyway. Does anyone know of a good place to find rebuilt engines? I think he's going to give us an offer for one, and I'd like to have a reference to see if he's charging a decent amount or too much. Thanks

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

Took her to the mechanic, have to wait a week before he can get to her though. I doubt it's going to be good news anyway. Does anyone know of a good place to find rebuilt engines? I think he's going to give us an offer for one, and I'd like to have a reference to see if he's charging a decent amount or too much. Thanks

Somebody on here gave me this link. Unfortunately after I had allready finished mine, but they have incredible prices and from what I have read on here and on other forums, they have decent quality. I have no personal experiance though.

http://www.rapidomarine.com/default.aspx?p=/engines/default.aspx

 

[wkcstra]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

Stop the bleeding now and look for another boat. I guarantee that this engine will need a complete rebuild. I can say that as we had a engine with the exact same symptoms and conditions. Even if you get it running like we did, in a very short time, it will fail.

I have the same boat that has been redecked (by previous owner). The problem that i have is that the fuel sending unit has gone out and needs to be replaced. However the fuel tank access has now been covered and i have no idea on the location of the unit. If you will help me can you measure from the back of the deck (front of engine compartment) to the center of the fuel sending unit and post that measurement. This will keep me from drilling a bunch of hole in the deck. Which i don't want to do.
Thanks.

 

[jdmackes]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

I still haven't found anything out from the mechanic, but I've been reading some other threads with simlar problems. Is it possible to replace my engine (chevy 305) with a chevy 350? If so, how difficult would that be? Could a go to a junkyard and just pull it out of a truck, or would that be a horrible idea?

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: awakening an '84 mercruiser model 228

The 350 and 305 are nearly identicle visually. You can swap all your accessories right over to the 350. You dont want to use car accessories due to fire hazzards. Just make sure your intake bolt holes are in the same place, make sure if yours is a 1 peice or 2 peice rear main seal that you get the same, and make sure you dont get some weird head design that the exhaust manifolds wont bolt to. For the most part, the same vintage of 350 will swap right in.