Mercruiser 470 Advice

[mainexile]

I bought this thing late last year and ran it only a couple of times before cold weather set in. Took it to a dealer to have it winterized and stored. (Health problems prohibit me now from doing all but simple maintenance on it.) When I picked it up this Spring, dealer told me that my tilt system was leaking. I have an acquaintance who repairs boats for a living, so I asked if he could look at it. He came by this week and repaired the leak, and I am now ready to fire it up for the first time this year (on muffs in the driveway). Are there any special precautions/procedures, beyond those posted in Don's sticky above) that I should take for tis first start (aside from repowering to a more reliable engine)?

 

[Big Boat Bay Buster]

Re: Mercruiser 470 Advice

If it was winterize and stored by a boat dealer, I dont see any need for any special start-up proceedures. While the 470 is a weird engine, the new season start up should be the same as any other engine. Follow Dons sticky
Chris

 

[Maclin]

Re: Mercruiser 470 Advice

Just a thought, not really recommending it, but I have seen some knowledgeable boaters recommend taking it back to the dealer that winterized it and have them commission it as well. The thinking is that if problems develop due to improper winterization the dealer will know it is their problem. There is a cost and associated hassle with doing this, but it does eliminate any finger pointing if any of the water-bearing components were compromised during layup due to ineffective winterization.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Mercruiser 470 Advice

Just simple advice.Make sure water to muffs is turned on first,see that the muffs dont move away from the intake from the force of the water,turn engine over,If it starts right up,DONT REV ENGINE.After idling ....Turn motor off first and then the water source.When I had an easier access motor,I would always remove all plugs and crank motor a few times before starting for the first time.Dealer commissioning is never a terrible idea.Charlie