Hi, I'm new to the forums and looking to broaden my knowledge on a used boat I picked up today I found online surprisingly at my soon to be 9th Grade son's former 8th grade teachers house. Her husband died 3 yrs ago and I don't think the son or her has cared for it as well as it needed to be.
Other than boating from 80-89 with the family when I was growing up I am mechanically inclined and have read the manual on the lower unit. The lady had given us a repair manual her husband had had, it's a Seloc Johnson/Evinrude Outboards Repair Manual covering the years from 90-95.
She initially told me that the motor was a 89 but through searching on the Evinrude site I saw that this model number was a 90 unless there's something I'm missing.
Came back to the campground and there were a few boat owners checking it out. We got looking at the lower drive and it was creamy and the guys said it's got water in it based on their exp. We removed the upper plug as we noticed it was leaking a little bit. The plastic washer was cracked and the bolt was a allen head bolt which is stainless steel. To make matters worse the threads are stripped out on the hole where the screw goes in. It just wouldn't stop turning by hand so I put the brakes on and I as well as my wife are nervous.
The boat is a Northwood 160 Pacer. It's a 1992 model. The trailer is a 1999 Shore Land'r trailer in great condition minus the right fender that was recently damaged which also damaged the tire from rubbing on the bracket when whoever hit it in the past. I paid $2450 and it had 10 gal of gas in it because uit's a 12 gal tank and I put 2 gal in along with 2 cycle 50:1 oil when I gassed up today. It also came with a 2 and 1 person tube and 4 used lifevests, 1 flotation device and a couple homemade concrete anchors along with some other misc stuff, tools, fairly new battery, etc. Overall I think or at least thought I got a good deal.
Can I find a good lower unit housing and put a bearing kit in it fro teh stripped thread or is there a alternative to that? My main worry though is what do I need to do to ensure this unit isn't shot and to keep me moving? I don't want a new motor, or a really expensive job at a shop. I have me, my buddy and one of his friends albeit a younger kid who works part time at a marine shop here in So. Dakota.
ANy help would be greatly appreciated big time as in parts sources, web links, tips, tricks, guides, winterizing tips, tutorials, etc. I guess you'd call me a Newbie but I'm willing to jump right in. Thanks in advance to all who respond
Sorry about being so long winded but I am excited but nervous at the same time.....