New to boats

[worntired]

Tried searching on the forums but I'm not having much luck. I have a a 1971 chris craft with the 270 hanging on the back of it. Over the winter I want to go through it and make sure everything will be good for next year. I don't know when the boat was last run, and really don't know anything about it. Can someone point me in the right direction? I know I need to get a manual, but can't seem to find the OEM. After I get that, where can do I start?

Thanks,
David

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New to boats

Are you saying you just acquired this boat? You haven't heard it run or know if it runs? When it was last run? Is there oil in the engine? Pull the dip stick to check. Is it clean, is it milky looking, is it rusty, etc. Give us some clues. But assuming the answer to all of those is really I that you "have no clue" about the condition, then here is the plan:

1) Charge the battery and have it load tested at any auto store. Good = great. Bad = replace it.
2) Change the engine oil and filter
3) Remove the spark plugs and check them. If rusty looking, the engine had water in it which is a bad thing.
4) Disconnect the coil wire (the big one at the distributor cap.
5) Turn the key to START to see if the engine turns cranks (it won't start because the coil wire is disconnected). If it does crank thats a good thing. If all you get is a click or no sound whatsoever you can start chasing electrical problems If there is a rather solid clunk when the starter engages but the engine doesn't crank, try turning it by hand. If no luck with that, the engine is either seized or the drive is seized. Remove the drive then try. If engine spins, drive is locked up. If it still doesn't spin the engine is locked up. Time for a rebuild.
6) If the engine cranks, do a compression test. Should have even compression across all cylinders.
7) Install new points (set the gap with feeler gauge or dwell meter), condenser, distributor cap and rotor for sure and plug wires if necessary
8) Install the plugs, add some fresh fuel, connect the muffs, turn on the water and see if it fires. Don't be surprised to need a carburetor rebuild. Best to just rebuild it since you know nothing about it.
9) You really do need that manual. With a serial number you might find the manual(s) you need on-line and can download them.
This is a starting point. Wiring and other mechanical stuff will certainly need attention like hoses and belts but don't replace any of that stuff until you know you have a sound engine/drive.

 

[worntired]

Re: New to boats

Sorry, should have clarified a bit. Engine checks out good. Has good compression, starts fine, but it isn't pulling water through the raw water pump so I'm going to have change out the impeller before I start it again. What I'm concerned with is the outdrive. I know the boat has been sitting at least three years, but I don't know for how long before that. I'm wondering what parts should be replaced. Are there bearings, u-joints, bellows, and seals? I know on other mechanical items there are usually things you go ahead and change before load testing just to make sure nothing blows up while you're testing it. What should I look at on these outdrives? Also, where can I find the s/n?

Thanks,

David

 

[captmello]

Re: New to boats

Your going to want to pull the upper gear box. This will allow you to get a much better idea of the condition of the drive while doing some routine maintenance. Here's how.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=309095

new bellows, ujoints if needed, and all new orings for the reinstall of the upper.

Let us know what you find. Sounds like a cool old boat.

you didn't say what motor you have but here's a link to the oem manual for the outdrive, might find it helpful. Or not...

http://www.4shared.com/file/51930153/3a7e6375/270_Outdrive_service_manual.html

 

[worntired]

Re: New to boats

Thanks for the links, I'll check them out this evening. Its an old 1971 chris craft xk 22. The motor is a lt1 corvette motor from the same year. Guessing it has had a rebuild in the past. It's an old Jim Wynn design and while I have never had a boat before it seemed like a great one to get my feet wet. It has a long way to go, but I'm hoping to have it ready for next summer!

 

[worntired]

Re: New to boats

Well, got it all torn apart. Everything looks pretty good. Movement is free and clear, and all the bearings look good. Is there anything I should replace just because I have it apart? Or just order some o-rings, the bellow, fresh water hose, and put it all together. Also, is there special grease I need for this? I'm thinking at the very least I should put a light bead of oil between the mating surfaces to help deter rust. Thanks for the help!

 

[worntired]

Re: New to boats

Also, I'm having a hard time looking up parts. The p/n off the unit is 2719333b. But I can't seem to look it up.

 

[captmello]

Re: New to boats

Well, got it all torn apart. Everything looks pretty good. Movement is free and clear, and all the bearings look good. Is there anything I should replace just because I have it apart? Or just order some o-rings, the bellow, fresh water hose, and put it all together. Also, is there special grease I need for this? I'm thinking at the very least I should put a light bead of oil between the mating surfaces to help deter rust. Thanks for the help!

Check for play in the drive shaft coming out the transom shield, it there is any play, you may want to replace the drive shaft bearings. If you plan on pulling the motor, I would change the bearings anyway.

I would replace the fresh water intake fitting on top of the intermediate assembly along with the oring/gasket below the fitting.

Standard marine grease is fine for greasing, and use Permatex 3, aviation gasket sealant on the mating surfaces.

Glad to hear it seems to be in good condition.

How about a pic or 2.

 

[captmello]

Re: New to boats

Also, I'm having a hard time looking up parts. The p/n off the unit is 2719333b. But I can't seem to look it up.

since your motor is not a Volvo Penta marinized engine, you'll have to look up parts a little differently...

What parts are you looking for?

This link is to the 270 outdrive. I has the bellows, intake hose and fitting, and gasket.

http://www.volvopentastore.com/Connecting-Components/dm/*******.639974290--session_id.650831767--store_id.366--view_id.784581

Here is the intemediate, 7 and 34 are the orings.

http://www.volvopentastore.com/Intermediate-Housing-Drive-270/dm/*******.639974290--session_id.650831767--store_id.366--view_id.784589

Here is the upper, #73 is the dipstick/drain plug gasket/oring

http://www.volvopentastore.com/Upper-Gear-Unit-Drive-270/dm/*******.639974290--session_id.650831767--store_id.366--view_id.784588

 

[njlarry]

Re: New to boats

When you have some time, it would be a good idea to also check out the fuel tank and hoses. If it is a metal tank and sitting that long there could be some corrosion inside. You and drain and inspect it by taking out the fuel sending unit. New gaskets are cheap and easy to find.