Barely used Mercruiser

[torcano]

I am looking to buy a boat that has been sitting in winter storage for 2 consecutive years.The boat is a 2005 and only has 10 hours on the twin 5.0L MPI Mercruiser I/O. Should I stay away from motors that have not been run in 2 years? I understand motors need to be run to lubricate its parts and prevent rusting. Could a changing the plugs and oil solve any potential problems before putting the boat back into service?

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Barely used Mercruiser

If the engine was fogged like it should have been when it was winterized, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Barely used Mercruiser

2 years isnt a big deal IF it was stored under good conditions,(indoors) best case scenario: everything rubber-replace. Hoses-belts-impeller.
Remove spark plugs,squirt some oil into cylinders, HAND CRANK motor, after a couple of revolutions,bump it over using battery w/ coil disconnected.If she turns easy,squirt some gas into carb & seafoam into a fresh tank of gas w/old filter and try to run her.
Great she runs....Now i'd run the tank thru before replacing the gas filter/separator.
Try this,hopefully she runs great,if not..repost.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Barely used Mercruiser

if properly winterized the two biggest initial concerns,3 actually, are the camshaft,the fuel system and the seawater pump.
first thing I would do is replace the seawater pump impeller kit,then remove the engine fuel filter, use a portable outboard tank and refill the filter with fresh fuel, then cycle the key switch from on to off waiting 20 seconds between cycles.
then hook the water to the muffs and try it.
just quit trying if the engines dont light off after 5 or 6 revolutions.
roller tappet engines are not as sucepitable to cam failure as the flat tappet designs but they can.
cam lobe failure due to excessive cranking and lack of lube on the lobe is something I have seen to many times.
when you cycle the key switch have someone listen for the high presure pump run.
it will run about 3 seconds each time the key is turned on.
this will aide in purging air from the rail and will verify that expensive pump runs.
best would be to have the seller wake it up and call you when its ready for a seatrail then find a competent tech to do a mechanicl survey and find a competent marine surveyor to do a hull survey.
trust me on this, its the best money you will ever spend on that boat.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Barely used Mercruiser

this can't be a cheap boat for the extra couple of dollars i would in your position follow rodbolt advice.will save u in the future alot of pain.

 

[torcano]

Re: Barely used Mercruiser

Thanks for input. I have every intention of requiring a sea trial by a certified marine surveyor. I would consider buying the boat otherwise. I spent over $500 on my last survey but it was worth the peace of mind knowing I had a boat that was in good shape. I assume once the engines are running and a computer is hooked up to the system, I will know if there were any major complications resulting from the boat i being n storage for so long