New and need help

89vip

Cadet
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
22
I just purchased a 1989 VIP Vision with a OMC Cobra 2.3 lit. This is my first boat to own. The boat was out of the water for the past 4 years, the previous owner who I trust did all the winterization himself along with all the mainteance. I was told that the bought had not been winterized this past year so I'm a little concerned, but the boat was stored in a garage and the winter here was not too cold. Some freezing temps but not many. Before buying i took it out the boat was cold starting but figured that was because of sitting for so long. Here are the problems that I have found some far.

-Overheats when in idle
-Bogs down when put in gear then runs ok
-Feels like it is slipping when running at certain speed
-Only runs about 20-25 mph, shouldn't it run faster

If you can help answer what may be causing these.

Also I need a service manual for the engine, which is the best one so I can do the work myself.

Thanks
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: New and need help

Send your boat to a mechanic, you will have a maintenance "start point". Manuals are in the "sticky" at the top of the Mercruiser, OMC, Volvo... page.
 
Joined
Feb 12, 2009
Messages
15
Re: New and need help

Dear sir: not to demean or insult you in any way, however omc has been out of business for more then 10 years. Plus the motor you have is a ford.
You say you bought this boat already, so now your stuck. You will need a manual, and the best is original factory, and e-bay has them.
Second best is Seloc 1986 to present. That manual you can buy here at this site.

Now to the overheat condition, if it were my boat i would change the impeller,t-stat first thing. See if that does fix the overheat condition.
I would also pump all the gas out of the tank, and check the vent, check the anti-syphon valve, if equipped change the water separator filter, there may be a filter in the fuel pump, clean it, and there is a fuel filter in the fitting that enters the carb, clean it. Maybe it might run better, if not a carb rebuild.

Have you given the motor a full tune up, if not that is a must and the oil in the motor, changed and a new filter.

Out drive oil, changed when, thats the next step.

Then run it, on the water and see what rpms and what speed you are going, use a gps, and the rpm range should be between 4200-4600 no more.

Good luck, and when all the above is done please post the results.
 

89vip

Cadet
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
22
Re: New and need help

Ok so I have a seloc manual on the way. Hopefully will have it by this weekend and can get to work. Will let you know the results. As far aS OMC being out of business, I should still be able to get parts.
 

Utahboatnut

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 15, 2009
Messages
785
Re: New and need help

Depends on the drive model and what part. If its a popular drive and a common part to break/wearout you might be pressed to get some things.
 

89vip

Cadet
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
22
Re: New and need help

Again I'm new, so will my engile have a thermostat, only thing i found is for 2.5 or bigger nothing for a 2.3. I also have new spark plugs, fuel filter, impeller on the way..
 

littlebookworm

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 30, 2007
Messages
574
Re: New and need help

You're on the right track. "Master of the boat" steered you exactly where you have to go. You need the baseline tune-up and clean up. Don't be surprised if the carb needs a rebuild. Four years of sitting, possibly with some old gas in it, could lead to a varnish build-up. But before you tear anything apart, tune-up and clean up and then run it and see. Good luck. Hy
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,097
Re: New and need help

Ayuh,... A Compression Test might not be a bad idea either....
 
Joined
Feb 12, 2009
Messages
15
Re: New and need help

Here is a good place for diagrams.
http://www.dougrussell.com/partscat...p&group=622&GroupList=622,639,656,677,698,719

Heres another for parts also.
http://www.crowleymarine.com/brp_parts/7087.cfm

I believe you have a heat exchanger, then that is also known to clog up. But first the impeller and t-stat, then run it on the water, if not fixed post and we can go from there.

You should never let it run past 190 degrees if it hits that, shut it down and cool it off, and come in slow.
 

89vip

Cadet
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
22
Re: New and need help

Ok here is where I am at.

New spark plugs
New spark plug wires
Changed oil/filter
Changed fuel/water separator
Cleaned fuel filter screen
Cleaned flame arrestor
New thermostat
New impeller
Changed lower unit oil
Cleaned carb

It runs 100X better, now for some more help.

1. Seems like it is hard to get into gear (foward and reverse)
2. If put into gear slowly wants to die (rough take off)
3. Bump in lower unit (like hitting something

Now after some research I believe I can replace the throttle cables at first then possible dog clutch and if need be the gears. Any advise please.

Also new gears are $$$ would it be wise to go with used gears for 1/4th of the price if they are in good shape.

Thanks
 

twostroke87

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 15, 2008
Messages
137
Re: New and need help

getting new cables is a great start to solving your shift issues. When it comes to going with used parts over new parts I like to think to myself "how much would it suck if i had to do this repair twice." Since your talking about your clutch dog, i'd stick with new.
 
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