Buddy didn't winterize, need to help get him running!

[jimogeek]

Good day. Some close friends of ours had a tragedy befall their family in November, and the last thing on their minds was winterizing their boat. They have a 2002 VIP with (I think) a 4.3 liter mercruiser i/o. When I helped them pull it out last season, they said they were going to get it done, but it has been sitting all winter. I'd like to help them get it going for Spring... We live in the midwest, and the winter was pretty harsh. What type of things should I be looking for when we try to get this thing going? I'm not an i/o expert; I run outboards on my boats, and am good with cars, but don't want to break anything trying to get his motor going. What type of damage could they be looking at?<br /><br />Any advice would be great!

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Buddy didn't winterize, need to help get him running!

jimogeek, Your term of harsh and mine might be different.Up here in Mass. it would be a disaster.That v6 does not like cold weather,and we had way too many days in teens and single numbers.<br /> Best thing is to check fluids,charge battery,and start it up.If the oil gets milky,then you probably are taking water into the oil,a sure sign of internal cracking.<br /> If not milky,a good hard water test is next.<br /> If still not milky,maybe no problem.<br />Good Luck,<br />DHP

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Buddy didn't winterize, need to help get him running!

Check for leaks on the exhaust manifolds as well. If the block/manifolds wasn't drained, and it was in 15 degree temp for over 24 hours, more than likely your looking at a new engine and manifolds.<br /><br />I hate it when that happens....Ouch

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Buddy didn't winterize, need to help get him running!

Ouch! be sure to inspect your freeze plugs in the block before you start it up. They do not always pop out when the block freezes but if they have you'll want to replace them before you attemp to run the motor.<br /><br />Good Luck

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Buddy didn't winterize, need to help get him running!

The first thing I would do is pour some Marvel mystery oil or fogging oil down the carb and remove the plugs and come back the next day and see if the motor cranks.If it does then hook up the water,put back the plugs and see if it runms.Then check for where water is leaking from.It is almost certain that there is freeze damage somewhere.Charlie

 

[bomar76]

Re: Buddy didn't winterize, need to help get him running!

The 4.3 loves to freeze crack under the intake manifold. My IDIOT friend had one do that...had it winterized, then had a really nice day so it took it out and somehow thought it would still be winterized. <br />Bingo.<br />Cracked block under intake.<br />It's stiched now.