79' Wellcraft Bowrider 196 Mercruiser 260 v8

[Johndunham9]

Hello, I just bought a boat. I was wondering what all fluids I should do. It was properly winterized but i'm not sure when all the fluids were changed, so I want to do them all.

Not sure where I can buy parts.

How do I find out what oil filter, fuel filter, oil, hydraulic fluids I need to buy, etc.

I am told any small block 79' short threaded chevy NAPA engine oil filter would work.

Any other advice for fixing this boat up?

Edit: Also it turns over but doesn't start, was planning on doing probably a carb clean or new carb, spark plugs and fuel filter to start. Anyway to find the correct parts?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Start with a factory service manual and servicing the points

 

[Rick Stephens]

Buy the service manuals. Service EVERYTHING. Assume nothing was touched in years.

 

[Johndunham9]

Buy the service manuals. Service EVERYTHING. Assume nothing was touched in years.

Hoses and belts look good.

I need to buy deep cycle and starting batteries. Not sure which side of the boat which hooks to, one has thicker leads so I assume that's starting.

Also being a 79, I read somewhere for a 1980's Merc 260 that it only requires 350 cold cranking amps.

Does it matter what type of battery I get?

I checked the oil, didn't look bad. I will change it but I need batteries to attempt to get it started so I can diag and do everything else. Manual says I need to run it before changing the oil.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Need to pull the drive, drain it, split it and replace the water pump impeller and maybe pump housing. Inspect u-joints and gimbal bearing. Grease both. Pull the prop and make sure nothing wound around the prop shaft. Inspect carefully bellows and shift cable. Grease everything up. Refill drive with fresh oil.Check alignment using an alignment bar. (note to self - have to buy an alignment bar) Reinstall drive.

Then start on the motor. Oil and filter change. Fuel filters for sure and for certain. How old is the fuel in the tank? What does it look like? When you pull the fuel filters, dump em into a clear glass container - anything except perfectly clean fuel in there?

When something breaks on a boat it is a long walk back.