Mercruiser 350 1990 I/O

[pdehardon]

My step father has just given me his boat as he is now too old and infirmed for boating. It is a 1990 Wellcraft 233 Elipse. It has not moved from his carpart for at least 10 years.

The cover is off the engine and much dirt and some leaves have fallen in the the engine compartment.

My question is 'where shoul I begin to make this engine seaworthy again. I expect to change the engine and lower unit oil but what else? Is there a recomeded method of testing the gas tanks? BWT this boat has been in FL all this time so i dont expect to have to worry about freeze damage.

Thanks
PDEE

 

[pdehardon]

Re: Mercruiser 350 1990 I/O

Also my stepfather assures me that the engine has less than 350hrs on it and was running fine when it last saw water.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 350 1990 I/O

You'll need to give a little more information on the outdrive and engine, but at the very least you will need to replace the water pump. (Not to be confused with the circulating pump on the engine).

I would also suggest removing the distributor and getting a priming tool - you can use an electric drill then to prime the oil circuits.

don't even try to start it with the gas in the tank. You will need to pump it out and get rid of it - in a legal fashion of course!

Replace your various filters, etc as well.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 350 1990 I/O

While you are at it - it is probably going to be a good idea to pull the exhaust manifolds and risers and see what shape they are in. This will need to be done especially if it was run in salt water.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 350 1990 I/O

Ayuh,... How Handy are ya,..?? How Big is yer Toolbox,..??

You've got a 'ell of a Chore ahead of ya....

If you go up to the Adults Only section, at the top of this forum,...
Look down to the Summerization thread,...
And,..
The Winterization thread...
Between the two, you'll get a fair Idea of what needs lookin' at, 'n what needs Attention....

Once We figure out, Exactly what yer driveline is,...
We'll find ya a set of Shop Manuals fer it....

'n Ditto Mark's comments on priming the oil system, 'n Dumping any signs of the gas in it...
Risers, 'n manifolds too...