20 year storage - issues?

[FishHog]

I'm looking at a boat that has been in storage for 20 years. Mercruiser 350 mag, with just over 100hrs total on it.

The boat is spotless. Guy put it away, claims it was winterized properly, and just left it there.

Its identical to my current boat, just a lot newer looking. Its a good enough deal, that I think I can sell mine for what I'll pay for this one.

He has had the fuel tank drained, replaced all the hoses.

So, is there any real concerns with that long of storage if it water tests OK.

thanks,

FishHog

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

no concerns

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

Very good potential for rusted cylinders. Would advise draining oil and replacing. I would also pull the plugs and have a look see at them. Squirt some Magic Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders while they are out.

Remove distrib and get a tool to pump up the oil pressure, you can turn on the key and watch the pressure rise on the guage. Then turn the engine over by hand wrench, several revolutions b4 you try starting it.

If he did not drain the carb, it could be a mess. If he did drain the carb it could leak like a sieve due to dried out and shrunk gaskets. Change any fuel filters before you try starting it.

 

[Coors]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

Boom is correct; this will be a good thread, I'm pulling for ya. But have no faith.

 

[Coors]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

The only problem could be, rust in any valve that was opened, in the cylinder; will the lifters bleed down and close? Think not. This will be interesting.

 

[superpop]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

Not only that but every piece of rubber gasket or seal will be shot and you will be plagued with all sorts of different fluid leaks. None may be a big leak but you will still have lots of leaks from everything that has any kind of fluid in it including the drive, motor, and pumps. I would buy it and keep yours for parts because you are going to need a lot of them. If your boat is the same with the same power train and electronics then I would do that if you really want the newer looking boat.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

The only problem could be, rust in any valve that was opened, in the cylinder; will the lifters bleed down and close? Think not. This will be interesting.

That's right IC. Not only rusty valves but hung valves. However, the lifters should pump up with the priming operation.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

I'd take a good look at the bellows for the u-joint and shift cable, but if it operates fine in a water test as the question stated, I don't see any issues.
If the guy replaced hoses, he's probably had it running.

 

[Coors]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

I think the engine needs to be dis-assembled, and looked at. Hard. And probably re-built while it is out.

 

[FishHog]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

thanks for the info guys.

Making me think twice. I think I still go for a water test. He has had it running, althougth I was not there for that.

I will update with anything I find.

FishHog

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

It is what it is. Inspect it as carefully as you'd inspect any 20+ year old boat and base your decision on the results. It's impossible to predict that "part A" will fail from 20 years of non-use while "part B" will be fine, though anything rubber would be suspect...

 

[Windykid]

Re: 20 year storage - issues?

Was it stored indoor facility?

Was it shrink rapped?

Was it run periodically by the storage facility?

Listen closely to the engine on the water test. Any problems found could discount the sale price making for reasonable repairs.

Basicaly weigh all the factors, but I guess it lagely depends on the test.

Good luck!