abandoned my girl for 4 years, getting her back in to shape

[leoo24]

Hey guys

it's been a while! i bought a Crownline bowrider with a 4.3 efi mercruiser and this forum was a great help getting a few things sorted out.

My marriage had problems which dragged on and got divorced, in the process i lost all interest in my boat and let her sit on the drive without firing her up for 3 years. Terrible i know, i guess you could say i was depressed, but i'm back on top and eager to get her going again. I've already cleaned her up and now want to start on mechanical.

She only had like 15 hours after her last service, and i winterised her (in spain so no frost issues here).

So! the starter motor is fried so pulling that to put a new one in, i've checked the oil which is clean as a whistle. Going to put clean fuel in. Is there anything else i should be doing before i try and fire her up? i hand cranked and turns fine.

thanks guys

looking forward to getting back up to speed with the mechanics

 

[alldodge]

I would change out the fuel filter, grease the engine coupler and gimbal bearing

and check your drive lube for moisture

 

[leoo24]

great thanks.

i think the drive seal has gone as when i cranked it by hand drive lube dripped out the prop, the monitor is empty. So planned on topping it up to just fire it up first and then get onto the leg. The gimbal housing has a crack so i need to source and replace that but want to rule out any majour engine problems first

 

[wrench 3]

After sitting that long, I'd oil the cylinders before starting it. Remove the spark plugs, squirt a couple of pumps of motor oil into each cylinder and spin the engine over with the plugs out before reinstalling them.