1968 Starchief 18 V

[spinalcracker]

Hey Guys new to the forum. I just traded my 16ft flat bottom and trailer for this 1968 starchief. My rig was prob worth about $350 but I wanted something that I can someday salmon fish out of. Please look at the pictures and tell me what you think.

The motor is the original mercruiser 120. The guy that I traded said that the motor ran 2 years ago, so I dont have super high hopes for it but it doesn't look that bad.

First things first is that I just want to get it running. I am planning on changing impeller, lower unit oil, motor oil, new spark plugs. What other steps should I take before I try to turn the key?

As for the boat floor and transom are both solid.

Thanks for the help

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

Great trade, awesome!!!!

Yah, I like your plan. Get the engine running then go from there.

Welcome to iboats and the Starcraft brohood

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

Looks like you have a project. I would also check all the fuel lines for cracks. Pull the drive and grease the drive shaft, u-joints, look at the rubber bellows for cracks and possible issues.
Check the drive splines to make sure they look nice and sharp and in good shape.
If the fuel tank is easy to get to check it for water in the bottom.
From my experience, I had a 1971 merc 140hp I would make sure you have a kicker motor that will get you back to dock if something happens.
I spun the engine coupler (7 mile trip back on kicker, ocean), broke timing gear (coast guard towed me in), and had outdrive bearings going bad (make it back in on my own, outdrive never seized). This happened over the first 4 years of boat ownership.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

I'd say you made out very well on that trade, nice work

She will clean up real nice, and if that motor is no good at least you can swap in any Mercruiser that suits you(easier than Jasoutside's conversion from OMC by a longshot).

Good luck with the rig, and welcome to the Starcraft fleet.

 

[djpeters]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

Welcome, and another Michigan guy....

 

[spinalcracker]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

DJ I actually got the boat from allendale. I have been looking it over the last few nights to see if there is anything BIG wrong with it and so far all I can see is that 2 of the hydraulic lines to the tilt trim need to be replaced. This is really going to be a project because 1) I have never done this before 2) I am no boat mech by any means. I have been reading a ton on this site and have a good idea what I may be doing but guessing on some of it as well.

 

[djpeters]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

DJ I actually got the boat from allendale. I have been looking it over the last few nights to see if there is anything BIG wrong with it and so far all I can see is that 2 of the hydraulic lines to the tilt trim need to be replaced. This is really going to be a project because 1) I have never done this before 2) I am no boat mech by any means. I have been reading a ton on this site and have a good idea what I may be doing but guessing on some of it as well.

That was on craigslist if I remember right, sitting next to a barn?

 

[spinalcracker]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

yep you are right sir

 

[spinalcracker]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

Its ALIVE!!!! However it sounds like death in reverse. Now how big and bad is it to fix the reverse gears? Or should I just try to find a new lower unit? Thanks guys

 

[chuckndiscs]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

Awesome boat! Welcome to the Starcraft slip aka Starmada aka slightly nutz house! . We require pics (already met), a Starcraft, and an owner / co-owner with a "YOUR DAMN RIGHT IT'S WORTH IT!" attitude!

Congrats!

Chuck

 

[mark942]

Re: 1968 Starchief 18 V

Any thing new to report?