'87 Four Winns Trim, Bilge, Impellar, Exhaust flapper?

[Smart Boy]

I just bought a 1987 Four Winns 215 Sundowner equipped with a Mercruiser 260 and an Alpha One outdrive. I have been going through the boat to test and check everything before taking it out with my family. Overall it is in great shape, but I do have a couple questions for you "experienced" Four Winns owners.

1. There is a hole on the Starboard side front of the boat that looks like it is for a bilge pump. I have searched the boat and cannot find anyway to access this from the inside nor can I find a second bilge pump that may be hooked to it. Does anyone know what this is used for and if it is indeed for a second bilge pump, where is the pump located.

2. Where can I get parts for this boat? I need a trim gauge, I already tested it and it is the gauge. I also need a handle for the hatch in the cuddy cabin.

3. Is there any good way to test the impellar in the outdrive? I read that with the ears on you do not get an accurate flow. Another thread mentioned submerging the drive in a trough of water and starting the engine with the outdrive to engine hose off. If this method will work, how much water should it pump? How hard is the impellar to change? I am a mechanic, but I have noooooo experience with boats or outdrives. The previous owner had the outdrive rebuilt last year (he had the receipt) and only took the boat out once since then. I just want to make sure everything is in good working order.

4. The exhaust "flapper" on the starboard side is rattling alot. The previous owner had a receipt where he took it in for this problem and the mechanic said it would be O.K. Should this be a concern or not?

5. Do you know of any other common problems I may want to look for before taking this boat out.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[njlarry]

Re: '87 Four Winns Trim, Bilge, Impellar, Exhaust flapper?

Welcome to a great site. I'm on my second year with a '96 FourWinns. It has a Volvo engine so I can't help you with your questions but for FourWinns parts and support (their customer service is very good) try fourwinns.com and ifourwinns.com

 

[Don S]

Re: '87 Four Winns Trim, Bilge, Impellar, Exhaust flapper?

1. Don't have a clue without actually looking.
2. Merc sells replacement gauges, along with Teleflex and Farria. There are a zillion differnet designs. Google Teleflex and Farria.
3. You don't test impellers. Replace them everyother year and if you have an overheat problem, then pull the drive apart and check/replace it.
The only thing you need is an OEM service manual. Here's a link to the free online one.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf
and here is some more useful info for you.
http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm
4. The rubber is probably worn off of them, possibly burned off. If the rattle, they should be replaced. It's also a good time to inspect manifolds and risers.
5. Lack of proper maintenance of the engine and drive is the biggest problem with both. Keep up with the maintenance and they will usually last a long time.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: '87 Four Winns Trim, Bilge, Impellar, Exhaust flapper?

Welcome aboard! You will need the correct Merc service manual.Don't buy the Seloc or Clymers manuals.Some of the manuals are available online.I'm sure some of the guys here will send you the link.
The trim guage you can get here on Iboats or Dougrussel or Dixie marine to name a few websites. The sender is usually what goes bad or the connection after it comes thru the transom could be corroded.
If you don't know the history of the impeller get it changed now.It can be near failing and still pump water. You will definatley need the service manual for the impeller change.
All the guys here will help you thru it...

Dons the man!! fast typer too...

 

[Smart Boy]

Re: '87 Four Winns Trim, Bilge, Impellar, Exhaust flapper?

I already checked the sender on the outdrive and I am getting the correct ohm readings. I am getting 12v to the gauge. I grounded terminal S on the gauge and needle stays pegged in th "up" position indicating a bad gauge.

 

[Coors]

Re: '87 Four Winns Trim, Bilge, Impellar, Exhaust flapper?

Is the hole toward the bow, for the anchor locker drain?

 

[rad1026]

Re: '87 Four Winns Trim, Bilge, Impellar, Exhaust flapper?

If the outdrive was "rebuilt" last year by a reputable repair facility the impeller is probably "OK". You might want to call the shop and ask if they typically replace the impeller, or inspect the service receipt and see if the impeller part is listed. I can't believe anyone would "rebuild" an outdrive and not replace the impeller but you should probably verify. If not I would replace it, not a big deal. That way you get the outdrive off and can at least inspect the drive shaft, U-joints, gimble bearing and make sure there is no water in the bellows.

Is the hole on the starboard side, is it the fuel vent/overflow? I know my '89 Chaparral has the overflow about midship on the port side.

 

[Coors]

Re: '87 Four Winns Trim, Bilge, Impellar, Exhaust flapper?

My 1988 205 has, bilge, vent, and anchor locker on starboard; ice chest on port

 

[Smart Boy]

Re: '87 Four Winns Trim, Bilge, Impellar, Exhaust flapper?

Thanks for all your help! Hole on starboard side is anchor locker drain. I will be replacing the exhaust shutters. The receipt for the O/D rebuild shows the impellar was replaced, but I will probably replace it after I shake the boat down a couple times. The only question I still have is where to get the hatch handle for the cuddy cabin hatch? If anyone knows or has one laying around, let me know.