Need Some Help......

[HARLEY]

I recently aquired a 16-48 Duracraft with a 30 hp Johnson on it. The only problem is that the boat has been stored outdoors for a couple years with gas left in the motor. What do I need to do to get the motor running again, I'm sure that there is problems after sitting that long. Will also take suggestions on good motor mech's in Memphis or north MS area, just dont want to spend a fortune. The motor probably doesnt have 10 hrs total!! Thanks for your help. [img]images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]

[GulfCoast]

drain the carb to get the trash out of it, and flush the system. Other than that, I dunno.

[MemphisStockBroker]

Harley, I would pull the carb and clean it. There is a carb cleaner that you can get at autozone that comes in a gallon container. You put the carb in the bucket overnight, and then let it drain. (it's easy) most smaller carbs have a float pin that will probably need to be replaced.

Also, go ahead and change out the water pump impeller (important). You have to pull the lower unit to change it out, but again it is not difficult... but if you have never done it you might want to get some help.

Get a garbage can, fill it with water, and run the motor for an hour or so - at idle speed - at your house before you take it out on the water.

[CaptnT]

That was good advise, the fuel system is most always the culprit. Most people don't realize that gas evaporates, but leaves behind carbon deposits that will clog the fuel system.

I would add to that to replace ALL fuel lines, replace fuel filter, and buy new plugs. You will have to drain and replace the lower unit oil as well. All that shouldn't cost more than $50 and is alot cheaper than taking to a mechanic.

The trash can with water is good advise, but don't rev up the engine, the water flow is not sufficient enough to sustain cooling at high RPM's

[Doc & Nash]

Take all of the above recommendations and that should about do it. I just did all of the above to a motor that had been sitting up for over 2 yrs and it runs great know. I did have to change the rubber seal on the carb bowl but only because I tore it trying to get it off. Tha motor I have is a 1973 model.

[NOHERE]

be sure the gas tank is cleaned out before filling with gas and using.if your not sure of some of the things to do, the 100 you spend at a marine shop is worth the price, since you got a good deal on the rig...so ahead and spend the $$ to get the motor right.

[tunica du4u]

Harley, you need help allright, but not mechanical, it called pyscological or something like that. How you been doing little buddy? Bet ur ass has been busy here lately. Can't turn the news on without seeing some shooting & killing up yor way. Where they put u during the fight? Anyway, drain the tank, pull the carb and clean, replace the fuel lines on the motor, be sure and clean the filter on the pump, change the in line filter, replace the plugs. Go to Wallyworld and buy a set of ear muffs for the water pump and run it with them on.When you crank the motor check the waterpump discharge. if it is not a good stream I would highly recommend having the impeller replaced. You know my little Nissan motor I use is a 1985 model and still has the original plugs in it that came in it. I store it in my old shop in Jan. and in Nov.it has never failed to crank on the 2nd pull. Ihave changed the oil in the lower end every couple years. Didn't run it but twice last year. The go=devil is easier to run in them ditches and fields. One word of advise DON'T LET TODD WORK ON IT!!!! Heard he got a steal on a boat too. Be careful up there in Memfica. [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[peewee]

You learn something new everday on this site.

[HARLEY]

Thanks for all the information, gonna get up in the morning and take a look at it to see if it looks like something I can accomplish. DU4U hit the nail on the head about Memphrica being a little "busy" right now (worked 102 hours last week!). If my schedule will allow I'll try to get to it by Friday, if not a hundred bucks aint to bad to know it was done right. If I can do it myself I'll let ya'll know if I screwed it up or not. DU4U your right Todd got a great deal on a War Eagle, but my deal is hard to beat this one was free! Thanks again fellas for all the input!!!! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[HARLEY]

Oh yeah, DU4U to answer your question about the fight part of the time we were with Tyson. The rest of the time we were in "strategic locations" looking for any suspicious activity (yeah I know kind of stupid). I was concerned that I might find Delta Duck laid out on the river bank in a ghillie suit, but I guess he decided to stay in Tunica. The whole thing was what some might call a "dog and pony show" but that is OK as it was all overtime, suprising enough Iron Mike was a pretty cool guy and treated us very well. A good ole fashion tail whoopin will do wonders for a fellas personality!

[Cephous]

Harley was just checking to see if you got that outboard running. I think everyone gave good advise but if I had to guess, after 2 years, the water pump probably is frozen up to and that will have to be replaced.

[swampland]

Go to wally or K-mart [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] and buy new plastic
tank, fuel line, and fittings. Most likley
for under 30. Make sure of water flow and
you should b OK.

Oh yea, do buy an in line filter.

Save boating to you and yours!!!

[HARLEY]

Sorry guys, I havent had time to mess with it yet. Seems the last couple of days here in Mempho we jump from one major crime to the next (ie lawyer in parking garage). But, you can bet I'll be trying it myself. I called a local boat dealer and told him what I had and he said it would be a $225.00 tune-up fee plus the cost of whatever parts were needed! I'd take cold weather swimming lessons before I payed somebody that much for a couple hours work on a small motor! The dog does it why cant I? [img]images/smiles/icon_mad.gif[/img] Also forgot to mention he said it would be about a month before he got to it.

[Swamp Rat]

You have been given some very good advice but the one thing I would like to stress is the importance of replacing the water pump impeller. Most manuals suggest changing them yearly however I don't do this myself. But on a motor that has been sitting for two years I surely would not gamble with the loss of a powerhead over a $15.00 impellor. I have worked on many motors squirting water out the back but did not having cooling to the top cylinders. I have torn down many motors that had vanes missing and broken but were still squirtig water. Notice I did not say cooling. You only need to look away ten seconds for a pump to quite working. In pre dawn don't wonder about your motor; replace the impellor. There is a grease pencil that when applied to the cyl/head of your motor has a specified melting point. When a certain degree's is achieved; the grease melts. These are available in varying rates.
Write on the block with the right one and its easy to see if you are running cool enough. HTH

[Wildfowler]

Something else you might want to consider instead of buying a new fuel tank. It is virtually impossible to completely pour or shake every bit of the garbage/water out of the tank. First thing is to identify if you have any trash in the tank. Take the fuel tank outside on a bright sunny day. Give the tank a good shake, then place the tank at a steep angle with the fuel cap positioned at the lowest level of the incline. All the trash will run "downhill" as the fuel settles back in the tank. All the debris and water should be in the corner of the tank directly below the gas cap. Water in the fuel sits on the bottom and looks like a shadow. The only way to make sure you get all of this trash out is to siphon it out. You can remove your fuel line and use the bulb to get the siphon started up. Or If the tank is not too tall, you can use one of those Thanksgiving turkey baster, with the bulb on the end.

Swamp Rat, I didn't know trick about the grease pen. Do you know if the manufacturer does this on new engines?