starting point for project engine

[fisher91blue]

Hello, Mercruiser forum. First time poster on this forum. I have just purchased a 1973 StarCraft that has been sitting, un-winterized for 5+ years in upstate NY. Engine is 120 hp, 4 cyl. I am looking for a beginning point to assess the engine because it does not have a starter so I can't try to crank it. Based on information I have collected from the owner, it appears the boat is a 2 owner boat. Owner 1 pampered, owner 2 bought in 2005 and used 3 years before putting it away without proper winterization. Where should I check first for this type of damage? I have a pic of an area of concern but currently having difficulty uploading. Maybe on a later post I can provided pic along with a more targeted question. Thanks for reading.

 

[midcarolina]

Welcome aboard....................IMO an unwiterized engine sitting for 5 years in upstate New York Is almost 100% certainly busted from freezing......you can look closely along the block for any rust lines ( cracks ) or look for casting plugs pushed out.

Use something like photo bucket or some other free image hosting site.........ever since the upgrade posting pics has been a bit sketchy

 

[alldodge]

Hello, Mercruiser forum. First time poster on this forum. I have just purchased a 1973 StarCraft that has been sitting, un-winterized for 5+ years in upstate NY. Engine is 120 hp, 4 cyl. I am looking for a beginning point to assess the engine because it does not have a starter so I can't try to crank it. Based on information I have collected from the owner, it appears the boat is a 2 owner boat. Owner 1 pampered, owner 2 bought in 2005 and used 3 years before putting it away without proper winterization. Where should I check first for this type of damage? I have a pic of an area of concern but currently having difficulty uploading. Maybe on a later post I can provided pic along with a more targeted question. Thanks for reading.

:welcome: to iboats

Pull the plugs and squirt some oil in each cylinder, let it sit for a bit. Put a socket on the crank shaft and try to turn it over. Look at the oil and see what it looks like. You can pull the thermostat housing and pour water into the block and other hoses and see what leaks

Use something like photobucket for pics

 

[Bondo]

Hello, Mercruiser forum. First time poster on this forum. I have just purchased a 1973 StarCraft that has been sitting, un-winterized for 5+ years in upstate NY. Engine is 120 hp, 4 cyl. I am looking for a beginning point to assess the engine because it does not have a starter so I can't try to crank it. Based on information I have collected from the owner, it appears the boat is a 2 owner boat. Owner 1 pampered, owner 2 bought in 2005 and used 3 years before putting it away without proper winterization. Where should I check first for this type of damage? I have a pic of an area of concern but currently having difficulty uploading. Maybe on a later post I can provided pic along with a more targeted question. Thanks for reading.

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Pull the motor out, 'n go find yerself a Runnin' 3.0l, 'n drop it in,.....

I'm guessin' the 120 is a parts motor,....

 

[fisher91blue]

Thanks, I like idea about pouring water. Plan to remove plugs and try to lube/turn crank. Pics coming soon.

 

[fisher91blue]

Here's the photo I wanted to attach earlier. I opened up the valve pictured and about 1 quart of water came out, clear at first and then rusty. The boat is stored nearby so I'll have to get over in a day or two to take out plugs and try the suggestions above. Any comments on the photo are welcomed.

 

[fisher91blue]

Ok, as Bondo suggested, I found a running 3.0 and will drop it in. Question is, I'm starting this project sooner than planned so I haven't fully checked out steering, outrdrive, etc. Is there anything you suggest checking while engine is out before drop'n the 3.0 in? Didn't want to get it in and then have to pull again to service something else. I have someone doing the drop in because it's new to me. I'll be working alongside to learn.

 

[Fishermark]

While the engine is out, evaluate the condition of the transom. It is not uncommon for the transom to be rotten on a boat of that age. Drill a few small holes low down from the inside. (Being careful not to go through the outer skin). If the sawdust is dry you are good to go. If it is wet, then more work is in your future... and you may want to reconsider the boat altogether.


By the way, here's the photo you were trying to post earlier:

 

[Fishermark]

Also, while the outdrive is off, drain it and see what the oil looks like. Clear? Milky? Then, once it is drained, pressure test it. (There is more info on this and other items in the DIY section at the top of the page).

If everything is good, you will need to replace the impeller. The chances are good you will also need to replace all the bellows and shift cable as well.

Lot of work ahead!

 

[fisher91blue]

Thank you Fishermark, what about steering? Can replace that if needed without pulling the motor? I know that I do not have power steering but not sure my exact steering mechanics. Seloc manual references two types other than power. Wheel does not turn left or right presently so must be frozen somewhere.

 

[Bondo]

Thank you Fishermark, what about steering? Can replace that if needed without pulling the motor? I know that I do not have power steering but not sure my exact steering mechanics. Seloc manual references two types other than power. Wheel does not turn left or right presently so must be frozen somewhere.

Ayuh,.... That can be done around the motor,......

1st off, disconnect the aft end, 'n pull the cable outa the aluminum tube mount at the transom,....
If the wheel still don't turn,...
Ya need a new helm, 'n cable kit,....

 

[Fishermark]

1st off, disconnect the aft end, 'n pull the cable outa the aluminum tube mount at the transom,......

It could even be stuck there. If you cannot get the cable out of the aluminum tube it will be time for some heat and PB Blaster or something similar.

 

[Bondo]

It could even be stuck there. If you cannot get the cable out of the aluminum tube it will be time for some heat and PB Blaster or something similar.

Ayuh,.... My point, Exactly,.....