Re: Just bought a 68 Starcraft Newport V 16' I.O. 120 Merc (First boat ever)
oh boy. you have got a Project with capital P. but she at least starts.
first. keeping you and the kids on the face of the planet. because I/O engines combine various fuel vapor sources and various ignition sources under one cover, they are a big risk to go BOOM. the people at Shriner's Burn Hospital are nice but you really don't want to be visiting your kids there. many aspects of marine engines, usually the external stuff like carbs, fuel pumps, alternators, starters are NOT the same as automotive versions, as they're designed to reduce the likelihood of those vapors and sparks getting out. using an automotive alternator creates a big ignition risk and could theoretically get you a ticket from the USCG or waterfuzz; DO NOT do this. NAPA still can get many parts for these motors in their marine section. be SURE your blower operates correctly and run it for at least 30 sec before you start engine unless you have doghouse cover off.
the various bellows are a PITA to change but you can get a kit that includes all necessary bits for <150. but before you put too much time/effort into the drivetrain, find out how bad your hull work is going to be, price your materials, and decide if you really want to get into it. if floor is rotten, odds are good that stuff below it is too due to water flowing downward. then you need to take a hard look at transom since this may well be rotted too. if boat has been left uncovered in your area, it's had many years of snow and snowmelt in it. you may find out why so many of us here like tin hulls that only have a few easy-to-replace bits to rot............
