Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Post the serial number of the motor, so we know which GM 350 Merc you've got,......
My 1st guess is, you've got an electric fuel pump, 'n the op switch is shot,....
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Backfirin' suggests a lean condition,.....
Pull the fuel filter, 'n examine it's contents in a clear vessel, for anything but clean fresh gasoline,.....
Ayuh,..... You need to start a siphon from the bucket, to the muffs for that to work,.......
Air don't freeze,.....
Drain All the water from the motor, 'n drive, then skip the antifreeze,....
That's what I do,.....
Ayuh,..... That should say, from a 2 piece rear main oil seal, to a 1 piece rear main oil seal,....
Which required a crankshaft change, 'n a block change to match,....
Ayuh,..... Sounds like alittle diagnosin' coulda saved ya abuncha money,.....
Test for power at the tiny terminal, closest to the block on the starter's solenoid, when ya hear the click at the relay, probably a yellow/ red wire,....
If no power, check the relay's output wire,..??
If you...
Ayuh,...... If it's just for this winter,....... It'll be just fine,.......
If it's a 10 year lay-up,....... Maybe not,.....
I don't fog out any of my motors, myself,.....
Ayuh,..... I believe yer gonna have to replace the helm, 'n cable as a kit,.....
The ole ride glide is an antique, no parts available,.....
You might be able to adapt yer steerin' wheel to a new helm, with some creative engineerin' though,.....
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... That guy does a decent job of it, but that's an injected Merc,.....
We're in the OMC section, so what motor, 'n drive do You have,..??
