1990 Four Winns Freedom 195 with OMC 4.3ltr work in progress

[Hightidehunter]

Just found this forum thanx to a shared link elsewhere.
I was given this boat by a friend who bought it for the trailer, kicker and controls. Overall it is in fantastic condition although it could use new interior carpet and a new seating arrangement. The previous owner was in the midst of a restoration of the interior and sent the motor out to be fully rebuilt with performance parts.
The interior work is childsplay for me but I am not at all familiar with stern drive systems.
I did a full restoration on a 17ft Sangster (outboard) hull after fully stripping it, including the stringers and flotation. So I am a pretty handy guy.
The motor was rebuilt , bored .40 over, new pistons, roller rockers, high performance ignition system and more. I was told he put thousands into the motor but I have no receipts. Anyways, the motor was installed in the boat but the install is not complete. It has been in dry storage the whole time. He stopped working on it 4 to 5 year ago.... I have had it for 2 years.
So basically I am looking for help getting the rest of this motor install complete and then probably take it to a mechanic to make sure it is timed and running properly.
Then there is the OMC Cobra leg which came with 2 props and was just told it was stock.
No idea how to inspect one of these outdrives so I need a mechanics manual or it will also need the eyes of a professional. Loads of yootoob videos on outdrive install and removal so that part I think I can handle.

So I am looking for knowledgeable folks who might be willing to walk me through some stuff as I try and sort out what goes where. Or refer me to where I can aquire some manuals that cover the engine and all the other components that make the boat run so I can hook them up accordingly. Also need to figure out if anything is missing.... what gaskets I might want to replace because it;s been sitting. All the hoses are attached at one end and i can see the locations where they attach at the other end. The wiring will need to be completed for sure.

So .... just seeking some assistance. I really like this boat but if the work i need to do is gonna be a big task or big dollars...... I may pull that engine and sell it. Put the money towards glassing in a pod for an outboard, which is right in my wheelhouse as far as skills and tools go.

can't seem to attach pics..... but I'm brand new here so maybe that will change

Ha

 

[nnl1987]

As far as the outdrive goes drain the oil and pressure test (and vaccum) replace oil if the passes tests. Grease the zerk fittings on the ujoints and the transom mount. Inspect the bellows (the ujoints bellows being the most important) replace it if it's cracked. Check the u joints bearing in the transom assembly. Replace the impeller regardless of what the current one looks like. Check alignment with alignment tool once you get the engine installed.

I would recommend yes procuring a omc stern drive manual. It's a wealth of information in it. (not the seloc manual apparently it's better off as a paper weight or a doorstop)

 

[nnl1987]

A note about replacing the oil in the outdrive it needs to be done in a specific way (different then any other gearcase oil replacement). Without my manual I can't remember how. It's not something to play around with as if done incorrectly can trap air inside and burn up the outdrive.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.

how is the hull? stringers, transom and deck?

 

[Hightidehunter]

she is a solid boat, no rot and other than the floor carpet being dirty with some grease stains here and there, the boat is in overall excellent shape. It's been trailered it's whole life and kept well. If it was not for the great condition overall, I wouldn't have accepted the free boat hehe Having torn more than one hull down to the stringers , I have a pretty good idea on inspecting for bad stuff. My 17ft Sangster was a full tear down inside including removing, fabricating and installing new stringers and transom, floor, custom glass work and then completely refinishing the outside of the hull as well. I miss that boat... I made it unsinkable LOL