Inherited a 1988 Tracker TX-17

[david batthauer]

I recently inherited a 1988 Tracker TX-17 with a 60 hp Merc. Boat was used for 4.5 seasons (midwest), hit a log and knocked off the lower unit. Been in storage (covered inside no heat) ever since (11-12 years). Inspected the boat/trailer with a knowledgeable friend. Needs thorough cleaning. Lines, hoses, etc looks great. Does not show its age, nor any signs of pest damage. Checked out continuity on basic circuits and that checked out. Very little wear and tear. Took off engine cover and was able to turn fly wheel by hand. Having mechanic go over everything with a fine tooth comb, replacing the lower unit. Would appreciate any advice (yeah, where to start). Going to use it for fishing, pleasure, pulling the kids on a tube. <br /><br />Any reccomendations on props? <br /><br />Any reccomendations on hydrofoil/prop combos. <br /><br />I am planning on buying two props, and also a 5 hp motor. Don't want to get stuck out on the lake with a broken motor and one paddle.<br /><br />Was also thinking of wiring my two batteries in parallel so both could be recharged while running. Is that smart? I don't know how much load a trolling motor puts on a battery. I don't want to drain both down.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Inherited a 1988 Tracker TX-17

You're probably going to have to thoroughly clean the carbs on the motor. That length of time sitting around will most likely result in gummed up carbs. Unless the previous owner did a thorough winterizing, but you still may need it anyway.<br /><br />Once that is done, you'll need to check compression in each cylinder... You may want to run the engine at a 40-1 fuel/oil mix for the first tank to kind of re-break in the interiors... But that may not be necessary.<br /><br />If the motor cranks, you can check spark now, but do so after spraying some fogging oil in the cylinders first. You don't want to crank the boat with dry cylinders.<br /><br />Don't run the batteries in parallel... The trolling battery is not designed to be recharged like a cranking battery... Use a deep cycle for the trolling motor and a starting battery for the motor...<br /><br />I used to own a Bass Tracker II boat with a 50hp merc. and never had a problem with only two batteries.

 

[david batthauer]

Re: Inherited a 1988 Tracker TX-17

The engine is oil injected. Any way to change the setting (mixture)

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Inherited a 1988 Tracker TX-17

Ok, if it's oil injected, don't worry about it...

 

[shipoffools]

Re: Inherited a 1988 Tracker TX-17

Have a 70hp same vintage same situation (sat for a few seasons) It might take a bit to get rid of the cobwebs anything that can dry out will probably crack and fail soon ie, fuel pump, hoses, misc. gaskets, Most important rebuild the water pump, (my impeller didn't last an hour) and as previuosly mentioned the carbs will be gummed up. The good news is these are great motors alittle rough at idle but lot of get up and go