Bringing my Aquasport back from a three year coma

[JXD]

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums and this is my first post after about two weeks of extensive searching. I'm trying to get a game plan together and I think I'm close but I thought I'd ask for some advice before I begin.

I have a 1983 Aquasport Osprey 200 with a 1989 (I think) Johnson 150 VRO outboard. Three years ago it belonged to my friend and it worked just fine. Then he moved and it sat at his parent's house for two years until I picked it up. I am planning on making it my goal to get it back to life again. The boat has a great hull. The transom is in good shape. The deck is spongy in areas - but I think that's next year's project. I'm really interested in getting the engine to run again. So here's my game plan:

Drain the fuel tank and clean
Check the fuel lines and possibly replace
Replace the fuel pump
Clean and rebuild the carbs
Replace the water pump and lower unit oil
Somehow, get the steering column unstuck

Does that sound close or did I miss a thousand things? Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bringing my Aquasport back from a three year coma

as motor question in Johnson forum.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Bringing my Aquasport back from a three year coma

Sounds like a good plan. Consider a complete tune-up. Replace the lower-unit oil while you're at it. when you're done, there's nothing like having complete confidence going out on your inaugural cruise.

Regarding the stuck steering..., it's likely gummed up grease in the pivot tube. Remove the nut from the end of the tube and spray some PB Blaster on the steering rod going into the pivot tube. Let is set for a few minutes, periodically putting a dab of PB Blaster on it. Take a block of wood or something softer than the steering rod and tap it with a hammer. Once you see it move into the tube, that may be enough to start working it with the steering wheel. The goal is to be able to remove the steering rod from the tube so you can clean all the old grease out, and replace with white lithium marine grease. I steer away (pun) from wax-based greases after my experiences with steering gummed up and wheel bearings (yes, I know, overhaul your wheel bearing periodically).

 

[JXD]

Re: Bringing my Aquasport back from a three year coma

Thanks! That helps a lot. I am going to work on the steering this week - it seems like something that I can handle right off the bat. I'll also add tune up and lower unit oil to the list. Thanks for the help!