1977 70 hp rude worth fixing?

[dsujen]

I bought a boat with a 77 70hp rude with controls. The guy said it ran, but it doesn't look like it has for many years. Is it worth putting money into a motor this old or is it a better idea to get a newer one? I will only use the boat a few times a year for drinking and crabbing in the back bays. I didn't do a compression check on it yet.

 

[kbait]

Re: 1977 70 hp rude worth fixing?

If the compression looks good, and it's otherwise complete, I'd keep going. Spark test w/tester to ensure over 1/4" bolt in open air. Pull fuel lines at carbs and pump fresh fuel through the system. Reconnect fuel lines and see if it fires up. Check shifting and cooling.. kinda need to barrel test to identify bad pump/impeller. Shut her down and drain gearcase lube.. inspect old oil..if watery, you have bad plug washers or gearcase needs sealing. You're out nothing but time and a bit of fuel at this point, and you'll have a grasp on what it needs going forward. Good luck!

 

[eavega]

Re: 1977 70 hp rude worth fixing?

Agree with kbait. Do the basic checks on it (compression, spark, and drain the LU oil), If all that checks out, clean the carbs, replace the impeller and see if it will start. If compression and/or spark don't check out, then you have to ask yourself what the motor is worth to you, because at that point you could be looking at some expensive parts and some more involved work on the motor. If you don't need it then you are better off selling it either as a parts motor, or parting it out yourself.

-Rgds

 

[madolive3]

Re: 1977 70 hp rude worth fixing?

If the compression is even and above 100, it's worth it. good motors.