Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

[nitsuj]

Well, I went to pick my boat up from storage tonight. This week, I'll get some good gas, replace the plugs and try to make it fire. If the past is any indicator it will fire right up, this motor has always been very good for that. Once it's running, I'll see if I can get to the bottom of my lack of reverse problem. Anyhow, when it was put away, the motor was fogged and the gas was drained. When going to re-start it, is there anything boat specific to check? I'm a motorcycle tech, so I know how general engine stuff, but I wouldn't know any outboard type stuff.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

Hey nitsuj....(where'd that come from???)<br /><br />Can ya' give us some kind of idea of year, model and hp of the engine and how long it's been settin'??

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

Duh! Sorry. The motor is a 1970 0r 71 Johnson 115. And like the subject line says, it's been sitting 4 years. (maybe 5) BTW, the name "nitsuj" came from my name, it's Justin, nitsuj is backwards, I use it to register for things where someone else may have already chosen "Justin" as a user name.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

Justin....<br /><br />An engine setting 4 to 5 years is a long time. Be real mindful of the engine temp when you start it. The impeller may (more than likely) need changed out. They get get stiff after setting for so long.<br /><br />If the engine has a hard time idling, the carbs will need removed and cleaned/rebuilt. Unless you pulled the drain plugs on the carbs, not all the gas is run out of them. <br /><br />Check your fuel lines. They maybe stiff from non use. They will leak real easy.<br /><br />I would start it up on "ears" first before putting it in the water. You probably will have work to do on it before it sees the water. Keep us posted to your progress.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

Where on the engine is the impeller located? Is it a big money item? I'll swap it out before I even begin. And don't worry, I had planned on using the ear muff things. This heap isn't going anywhere near water until I'm satisfied it's safe.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

Impeller is located in the lower unit. You should be able to get a new impeller and a manual for about $50. Well worth every cent. Good luck with that beast!

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

I have the manual, now I just need the impeller.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

BTW, how sure are we it NEEDS the impeller? What happens to them over time that it would be no good? Any way to tell without taking the lower unit off? Also, is there a gasket or anything I'll need to replace? (Yes, I have a manual, but I'm at work now with no manual.)

 

[suzuki40]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

Justin...The impeller is a must thing before you try and start it after sitting that long. You dont want it to come all to pieces and get sucked up into the cooling system. it is pretty easy to do and inexpensive. your impeller would run you probably under $35.00<br /><br />Suzuki40

 

[rrichard]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

I'd like to second the impeller change.<br />The impeller is rubber and will lose its flexibility over time. Even if it looked ok, it would probably start to crack if flexed. It doesn't work at all like the metal impellers in automobile water pumps--flexing is a vital part of its operation (at least at low speeds).<br /><br />As suzuki40 said, worst-case is that parts of the impeller break off and clog your water passages.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

You guys convinced me, I'll seek out an impeller tomorrow.

 

[BF]

Re: Starting motor, first time in 4 yrs.

just to add my $.02... I changed 2 impellers (on 2 different small outboards) this year. Both appeared perfectly fine, but neither pumped water worth a dam! I guess they had hardened up and didn't seal well against the pump housing.<br /><br />Also, if you start on muffs, it can be misleading. The water pressure from the hose can cause the tell-tale to pee, even if your water pump isn't working worth cr@p. If possible, I prefer to start them in a tank or barrel.<br /><br />good luck.<br /><br />Brent