Starting Mercruiser 350HP In/Out Board Engine after 4 years

[JamJan2]

Have not used my 240 Sea Ray Sundeck in 4 years due to lack of being close to a lake full of water. Would like advice on what to do to get it started and running again, without ruining the engine.

 

[crazy charlie]

I would pull the plugs and clean or replace.I would also spray some fogging oil in each cylinder before replacing each plug.I would also spray some fogging oil or MMO into the carb.You are going to have to replace the impeller in the outdrive so prior to doing that ,crank the engine to be sure its not locked up.The fogging oil will be beneficial to lubing the internals and get things moving smoothly.If it cranks then you are good .Also drain the fuel tank and replace all carb filters and fuel water seperators.This should get you close to getting it running.Charlie

 

[JamJan2]

Hi Charlie, Thank You for the advice. I should have mentioned that the engine is fuel injected. I also intend to replace the thermostat, engine oil, impeller, fuel/water filter and of course oil filter. What is fogging oil and MMO (forgive me being so stupid)? I intend to remove the fan belt and crank the engine manually before I even try to start anything. Besides, there is no gas in the gas tank after 4 years, so if I can get everything lubbed, then I plan on putting a little gas in the tank and cranking it over. I really like your advice. I am concerned, cuz this engine does not have even 40 hrs on it, and I do not want to damage it. James

 

[JamJan2]

Hi Charlie, Thank You for the advice. I should have mentioned that the engine is fuel injected. I also intend to replace the thermostat, engine oil, impeller, fuel/water filter and of course oil filter. What is fogging oil and MMO (forgive me being so stupid)? I intend to remove the fan belt and crank the engine manually before I even try to start anything. Besides, there is no gas in the gas tank after 4 years, so if I can get everything lubbed, then I plan on putting a little gas in the tank and cranking it over. I really like your advice. I am concerned, cuz this engine does not have even 40 hrs on it, and I do not want to damage it. James

 

[crazy charlie]

MMO is Marvel mystery oil.Great for winterizing and long term lube.Its a good alternative to fogging oil.Fogging oil is the internal lube that is necessary for any storage that will be more than a month,Hopefully you pulled the tstat while last winterizing.Charlie

 

[JamJan2]

Hi Charlie, thank you for replying. In your last reply, you used the word "tstat", regarding winterizing. All I did when I put it in an enclosed shed 4 years ago, was lower the out drive (leg), and drain the fuel. What I am hoping is that you will give me enough advice, so I will be able to get it going in my drive way. Being a shade tree mechanic, info you provide may allow me to do that. James

 

[JASinIL2006]

Did you drain the water from the engine after the boat was last used? If not, you might have bigger problems, like a cracked engine block.

 

[JamJan2]

Yes I did and anyway, after 4 years, there could not possibly be any water anywhere in that boat and engine. And, I left it with the leg down for additional drainage.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. I’d just check the water pumps aren’t too dry (presuming with the Hp, they are bravo drives or shaft and pump be on the engine), make sure oil is decent enough. Pull the plugs out her and have a look. Spray some oil into the plug holes if you’re fussy. Then Pull the lanyard kill chords and turn her over. She won’t fire with the lanyard out, but will turn over on the key and build oil pressure about the engine.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Yes I did and anyway, after 4 years, there could not possibly be any water anywhere in that boat and engine. And, I left it with the leg down for additional drainage.

Ok, just worried the engine wasn’t drained. Lowering the outdrive and letting it sit would not get the water out of the engine block; only pulling the drain plugs would accomplish that. yes the engine was drained before it was stored, that should be no problem.