Hello. My friend gave me a 1987 Regatta Boat with a Mercruiser 165 4 cylinder engine. When he got the boat it wasnt running so no reliable history. The starter was missing so i replaced. Distributor cap/points worn so i replaced. I removed new plugs, manually rotated engine removed distributor, checked direction of rotor and ran plug wires from there (1,3,4,2).
Also, checked compression numbers really consistent but honestly dont have tester to fit right in tight area (darn coolant reservoir). I removed flame arrestor and am getting fuel, also primed pump by pooring a little gas directly in carb. Bought new battery yesterday and it turns over and is so close to starting. I think my next step is to get timing light but looking for recommendations before i spend the money. The only 2 issues i have found with motor is automatic choke on carb not working and front seal bad (weep hole leaking coolant).
Thanks and sorry for long post,
Ron
Also, checked compression numbers really consistent but honestly dont have tester to fit right in tight area (darn coolant reservoir). I removed flame arrestor and am getting fuel, also primed pump by pooring a little gas directly in carb. Bought new battery yesterday and it turns over and is so close to starting. I think my next step is to get timing light but looking for recommendations before i spend the money. The only 2 issues i have found with motor is automatic choke on carb not working and front seal bad (weep hole leaking coolant).
Thanks and sorry for long post,
Ron
Before you go any farther (the seals can wait a bit) you need to find out what condition your engine is in. Now that you have it running you should do a compression test and a cooling system pressure check (you can borrow the tools from Auozone). Those two tests will tell you the condition of your head gasket and cooling system. Next you will need to pull the outdrive and check the alignment, gimbal bearing, U-joints and bellows, and change the impeller and housing. Once you get that stuff done you will have enough information to decide how mugh you want to spend to get the boat in the water. If you decide to proceed, do the seals and get er on the water. If you can get it running correctly you may decide that it is not such a bad engine after all. Welcome to the "470 Club":facepalm: