More On The 19' Viking Mercruiser 165 Hp

[Viking77]

I went again, before I make an offer to see the boat I want to buy to do a SURVEY.
I found out the following:​

1. The Hull Identification number was VBC8S752M76J
The number I keyed in on was the 76. I take

that to mean 1976.

2. The serial number on the Mercruiser outdrive is 45242924.
Does anyone know what this means?

3. There are hair line cracks on the outside of the hull. Is it
possible to buff these out. Could it be that they are just only
surface deep, only as deep as the gel coat.

4. I went out prepared to get the pressure on the Cylinders
and test the Alternator with my digital multitester but the
owner could not get the engine to start.



Thanks ​

 

[Don S]

Re: More On The 19' Viking Mercruiser 165 Hp

4. I went out prepared to get the pressure on the Cylinders
and test the Alternator with my digital multitester but the
owner could not get the engine to start.

Keep looking

 

[bigguy6f4]

Re: More On The 19' Viking Mercruiser 165 Hp

hi, i have the 165 motor too.. and from what everyone says including my local mechanics. they run forever. there are many simple reasons the boat wont start. here are what i believe to be the simplest things to check.

Battery has good charge and clean conections.

Boat may be enguaged in forward or reverse as this would not allow the motor to turn over.

if its been sitting then ive seen old gas jell up solid. if you drain the carb bowl and its a deep orange its bad.

Guess those would be what id check first.

I tend to be in a hurry and always forget to take my boat out of gear after loading it up. and the next day i cant start it cuz its still in gear and not in neutral. im a goob

As far as the hairline cracks i have no idea.

 

[Don S]

Re: More On The 19' Viking Mercruiser 165 Hp

There are lots of reasons boats won't start. But if a seller wants to sell something, he should at least make sure it runs. It's probably never had any maintenance done to it and it will cost to much to fix everything wrong. So sell it as is.
Not a good idea to start with problems. With fuel prices the way they are, there are a lot of good boats that run for sale.

 

[Viking77]

Re: More On The 19' Viking Mercruiser 165 Hp

Thanks DonS and bigguy6f4!

I am looking for another boat Don S. The engine in general looks in pretty good shape. The engine has very little rust and the engine mounts look perfect for its age. BUT, there is a lot of clean up to do, interior repairs and all the upholstery must be redone. I am still considering whether I should do this or not, but because the 165 hp Mercruiser I/O is so highly rated and if I could get it for the right price I might take it. The engine hour clock says 315. He has used it just once in the last 2 years. The Tilt/Trim motor works good. The inside of the carburetor looked clean. I guess the worst thing about it is, he leaves it outside uncovered all the time.

When I go out again if I do. I will make sure I check the Solenoid and Starter real careful and check how many DC volts are actually getting to the starter. When I went out to do the Survey of this thread I did not do any testing but if I go out next time I will have an undestanding that he has to let me get it going or there is no sale.

The owner took ahold of the prop and could rotate the crank a little. He said that it actually turned over before I got there.

 

[Don S]

Re: More On The 19' Viking Mercruiser 165 Hp

When someone around here says an engine won't start, that means the engine cranks over but will not run.
Now you seem to be saying it wasn't so much a "Wouldn't start" problem and the starter wouldn't even turn the engine over. Is that correct?
If that is all it is, try this.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035

 

[Viking77]

Re: More On The 19' Viking Mercruiser 165 Hp

Thank you Don S!

I will have to study it a while but it was just what I needed.

 

[BAYLINER185]

Re: More On The 19' Viking Mercruiser 165 Hp

The owner took ahold of the prop and could rotate the crank a little. He said that it actually turned over before I got there.

WHAT?

Im thinking that not only is that extreamly stupid to do but Im not even sure if thats possible to do???

I mean you would not only need a really good grip and be really strong therfore really loosing all your finges when the motor does catch and fire up.

NOT TOO GOOD