Restarting Engine thats been sitting

[rickryder]

Hi all,
I saw a sticky about awakening a sleeping outboard but haven't found a post about starting up an engine that's been sitting for some years. I have found some posts with some info and was thinking a step by step thread on starting up a dormant I/O.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

The process is pretty much the same. 1) is the motor seized would be the first check. 2) If #1 is ok, change oil and filter. 3) clean fuel, 4) check/replace plugs and points where applicable, 5) charge the battery 6) add muffs, turn on the water and see if it fires.

 

[GLENN M]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

how long has it been sitting.you could like stated change oil an filter plus i would replace gas.on cars i like i take dist. out and turn oil pump to lube engine,not really necessary.but i do carefully put a bit of gas done carb[if carburated] so it starts with minimum cranking.make sure to have water on before starting,goodluck

 

[rickryder]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

I know the basics on getting an engine running. My thoughts were to gather a list of things to check before starting the engine,like oil priming the engine,cleaning things out,checking over cooling system etc. With all the knowledge on this site a detailed list can be made for people searching info because they are new to boating and marine engines.

 

[artificialreef]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

I got a car sitting for 5+ years running. I removed the plugs, (blow the plug area with compressed air before taking out the plug to get the rust and dirt out that settled in there) dripped some tranny fluid in the plug holes and let it sit for a day. Rolled the crank over by hand with a breaker bar on the crank so i didnt break the rings.Then all the other usual stuff. Filters, fuel lines, wires, etc. I had to put in a new fuel pump. My biggest concern was piston rings rusted and breaking. Priming is good but let it sit for a bit. Some folks prob would not agree with tranny fluid, i am sure oil would be cool too. Your fuel turns to varnish so once you move the crank you will have to deal with that. Then a compression test is in order. Let us know how you made out. How many years sitting?

 

[rickryder]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

The engine in the boat I am resurrecting was winterized in 2004 it was fogged and I can turn the engine by hand. The engine is a 1997 Merc 350 Mag K157129.

 

[artificialreef]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

Ahhm, i didnt change the fuel lines on the car. Did that on a jetski that i resureccted. If its an I/O change the impeller regardless. Dont run it. I am working on one now that had a donught for an impeller. I brought it up to operating temp and i think i smoked my flapper. (did i just type that out loud>?

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

Change the oil, find a source for fresh fuel. Drain tank or gas can. Crank over a few times without fuel to limber thing up. Hook up water hose and the start it. Check oil pressure. Is it missing? If yes why? When first run is done. Replace belts and suspect hoses. Tune up and other needed repairs. Go boating.

 

[GLENN M]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

sounds like you "know how to start a dormant motor" there is no mystery you named the things to do so start it

 

[rickryder]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

Glenn I was trying to get the info together for others to use.... kind of like there are stickys for fiberglass work, outboards, props ect. Plus I just might pick up on some things I don't know of....

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Restarting Engine thats been sitting

take dist. out and turn oil pump to lube engine,

I would second that suggestion, but you need to do more than "turn the oil pump." You need to use an oil pump priming tool. You can pick one up for a small block chevy pretty much anywhere - even the auto parts stores that have the free loaner tool programs.

If you don't have the tool, an old distributor can be used if you remove the cam gear.

Without the tool, the oil doesn't get to the areas it needs to go.