Cranking Outboard Out of Water

[CraigHenderson]

New here and don't want to appear too stupid.... Trying to revive a 1968 Chrysler (Viking) 35 HP outboard. Can I crank the motor out of the water to see if engine will fire (new spark plugs and gas) or will this damage the impeller? I know I can't run the motor out of the water as this will damage impeller but will just cranking it for a few seconds cause the same damage?? Any help will be appreciated.

 

[couchise]

Re: Cranking Outboard Out of Water

if your just cranking to see if it will turn over then you will be fine.

 

[wickware]

Re: Cranking Outboard Out of Water

Why not use muffs for quick lubricant water or a deep 55-gallon barrel with the motor on the bottom to run longer. Then you?ll have the option to test longer if the coolant water is flowing. I love the comfort of my barrel for quick test but it w/n replace the load of testing in a full body of water. Even if you never leave the trailer testing power ?from my experience?. Then I drain it to the spot of my choice from a port and water hose at the bottom (siphoning with a hose works also).

To be honest, I fired for ?a second? for about 15 years before driving 120 miles to fish. Plus, I went from 1985 until 2009 w/o changing my impeller that was still pumping water fine ?in my opinion?. I contribute this to, starting and killing so quick, fresh water only vs salt water, burning less than 12 gallon of gas during 5-8 trips per summer (1970 35HP Chrysler). Good Luck! Jow

 

[CraigHenderson]

Re: Cranking Outboard Out of Water

Thanks for the feedback. I just want to make sure it starts before I put it in the barrel (I'm am going to use a big plastic garbage can). I don't have the fancy drain hose on my garbage can so wanted to avoid filling it before I know engine will at least fire.

I know full testing should be in the water but that is going to have to wait until next season as the boat and trailer need some work before I can do that. This thing has sat outside for 15 years and if the motor will not run then I plan to just sell it for parts / scrap.

When I have it in the barrel full of water can I put it in gear just to make sure that prop spins? Just want to ensure lower end isn't seized or Is that a bad idea.
Just slow speed, forward and reverse for a few seconds?

...Thanks again

 

[wickware]

Re: Cranking Outboard Out of Water

1. That drain plug is just for the easy emptying. I siphoned the water back out for years.

2. The dept of the water in the barrel is important to get the water to flow. I was up a few inches on jack stand and water w/n flow until I added more water (strange, I guess the water pressure helps?).

3. You can go through all the gears at a slow RPM. I will give mine a light punch above idling RPM looking for bogging (all is still low and quick to save water). The real burst test comes on the trailer or in a close lake before a long drive if I have questions.

Good Luck!
JOW

 

[emoney]

Re: Cranking Outboard Out of Water

Just make sure you have enough water in the trash can and don't
have anything behind it that you don't want to get wet. You need
to submerge the water intake, of course, but know if you move it into
gear, you'll throw water out of the can. Always add more water than you
think you can need and make sure you have enough clearance for the
prop to turn without hitting the sides.

On my 50hp, there's plent of room in a regular, outdoor trash can, for
the prop to turn and I do most of my current work this way. However,
keep an eye on how much water is getting pushed out because you can
empty a can a lot quicker than you think and the next thing you know,
your running your motor without water. As to getting water out.. Best way
to go is after you are finished, have someone lift the motor while you pull
the trash can away, then just push it over. It's a lot quicker to empty
that way.

 

[wickware]

Re: Cranking Outboard Out of Water

emoney, you must be sitting higher on your trailer. I try to sit low due to low lake levels during the summers in TX. I started with a trash-can but I had to tilt the can going in and out with the motor tilted up. That led to draining vs dumping. Please send a Pic of your motor on your boat and trailer by message-board or PM (noting me to look for PM). JOW