1987 Reinell 185 FM OMC Stearndrive (Stringer)

[Smokey Edwards]

I have a boat that has a mostly rotted floor that I have removed. I am experienced with fiberglass. So it would not be too much for me to do... But I can not get the motor to turn over. It has been sitting for about 8 years. I hear a click in the starter solenoid but wonder if and how to get the motor to rotate. I have a fresh battery in it. Was thinking of adding a 200 more amps with a starter boost.

I am just trying to verify if it rotates. What to do at this point? I also can not get the tilt to operate. That too has a solenoid click. but that is it.

I have everything hooked up. Would like to verify this before motor removal before floor repair. May not want to do job if it becomes to detailed. If I remove the motor to a stand to get at it, should I also remove the harness and console?

What do you guys do to get your engines to rotate if stuck? I was told that it was winterized before being put into storage by a friend who previously owned it. What problems should I expect?

Thanks, I need some help to make better decisions about if I should even try.

Also wondering what other engines might hook up to the intermediary housing.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Get a breaker bar with the appropriate socket and use the crank bolt to see if it will rotate by hand and go from there, you could potentially have a bad celenoid on the starter but disconnect your battery before do this

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

I also wanted to add that if it does turn freely try to put some marvel mystery oil in the cylinders since it has sat so long. This will help with first starting because it helps lubrication of the rings .