First time startup, any suggestions?

[Pete30]

I have an 87 OMC Cobra 3.0 GM, I am trying to resurrect it. It has been sitting for over two years. I have had the starter and alternator rebuilt. I have a new battery, I changed the oil twice and filter, changed the spark plugs, and I want to see if it will start this weekend. Is there anything I should do or any procedures I should follow before I crank to avoid serious damage? Any help is appreciated (this is my first boat). Thanks in advance!

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: First time startup, any suggestions?

DO not attempt ANY start up without hooking up the water earmuffs to the outdrive and turning on the water first. It helps if the battery has had a full charge and check the oil levels (engine & outdrive before and after running engine) just to be sure<br /><br />Regards,<br />Mike

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: First time startup, any suggestions?

I would first pull the plugs and squirt some oil in the cylinders let it set overnight then try to turn engine by hand from the crankshaft.... that would probably be the best way to make sure everything is "free"...<br /><br />Have you checked the fuel condition yet??<br /><br />Tallman

 

[Pete30]

Re: First time startup, any suggestions?

Have not checked on fuel, how can I check it?

 

[DJP]

Re: First time startup, any suggestions?

Checking the fuel.... You really ought to pull the carb off the intake and pull the float bowl(s) to check for varnishing. If the motor / boat has sat outside for 2 years rather than in a garage it is more than likely you have paint thinner for gas rather than good gas. If you attempt to start it with that crap in the carb and fuel lines you may have to replace the carburation system. I would suggest hooking up a seperate gas can and electric fuel pump just so you can run clean fuel through the engine upon initial startup. Once you know the engine runs and hopefully runs well, then you should survey the manual fuel pump, fuel lines and gas tank for the same varnishing. 2 years ain't to bad I've been able to ressurect fuel tanks and carbs after 2 years but the important thing is whether the boat has sat in the sun for 2 years, cause that's what does it.

 

[Pete30]

Re: First time startup, any suggestions?

The boat has been sitting with a fitted cover under a big oak tree. Would this help with the condition of the carb?

 

[DJP]

Re: First time startup, any suggestions?

Unlikely Pete, if the boat was covered in a garage then your chances of having gas that is at least salvageable increases. A thorough check of your carb float bowls should reveal whether or not a complete drain and cleaning of the system is warranted. Since the float bowls are the highest point in the fuel delivery system, and the contents of the bowls is limited a check of them will reveal pretty well just how varnished your fuel delivery system is. If the bowls are "clean" don't appear to have an accumulation of molassas looking material on the bottoms, and the needle jet ports are not fill with the same stuff, chances are good that the rest of the fuel system is free from the same varnish and adding as much fresh gas as possible prior to starting is advisable. I would not recommend any fuel additives at this time, wait until you have the engine running and have depleted much of the original fuel mixture. IE..bad gas and good gas.

 

[Boatist]

Re: First time startup, any suggestions?

Pete<br />I would make sure you have water to water pump and start it up. With out oil mixed in gas fuel last a long time. Gas very hard and dangerous to remove, then what are you going to do with it.