Can I start the engine?

betayv

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
706
hello there someone is selling me a boat, is a 1986 19 foot galaxy with a 305 mercruiser, two barrel carburetor, the exhaust manifolds are shot and doesnt have outdrive, how can I test the engine to be sure run, the guy say the engine is good any suggestions thanks.
 

tmh

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Aug 16, 2006
Messages
1,136
Re: Can I start the engine?

I sure hope you're not paying much for that one and it's in great condition other what you mentioned. In good condition, running strong w/ good manifolds and drive I'd say $2500 or so. Subtract the drive and manifolds.... MAYBE $1200 or so if you can confirm the engine is good.
 

cooter2506

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Apr 8, 2007
Messages
733
Re: Can I start the engine?

I think I would walk from that one. Purchasing a drive and manifolds and risers can get real expensive. If manifods are bad and you start engine to test you could get water in the cylinders and ruin engine IF it is good.
 

searay3

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Apr 7, 2005
Messages
655
Re: Can I start the engine?

a galaxy boat that age, missing some of the most expensive systems, you either have a lot of money to spend, (buy a better boat), or he is paying you to take it off his hands....
 

searay3

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Apr 7, 2005
Messages
655
Re: Can I start the engine?

If you are really interested in this boat, do a compression test and check the oil for water intrusion. Why does he say the manifolds are bad? Cracked from freezing? The block may be too. Pull the distributor and with a drill, spin up the oil pump to get oil throughtout the engine and try to turn it by hand. Things like an internal crack in the block will be difficult to diagnose without running it or complete dissassembly. Even free, this one will cost a lot to make sea worthy again...
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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71,133
Re: Can I start the engine?

hello there someone is selling me a boat, is a 1986 19 foot galaxy with a 305 mercruiser, two barrel carburetor, the exhaust manifolds are shot and doesnt have outdrive,

Ayuh,... Just What are you buying,..??
That's a pile of Parts,+ Not any Good 1s at that...
 

betayv

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
706
Re: Can I start the engine?

thanks for the reply he is asking 500$ I offer him 200$ well the trailer is a aluminum trailer and is in good condition.
 

cooter2506

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 8, 2007
Messages
733
Re: Can I start the engine?

Well if it is worth it to you then go for it. But just remember it wil take ALOT of money and ALOT of labor intensive hours to get it ready. I know from experience that sometimes good deals are no worth it. Sold my good deal that STILL needed work. What you will have into it you could by a respectable boat water ready and you could spend your summer enjoying it instead of cussing at it.
 
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