Start up of 125 hp force stored 5 yrs. any ideas before start up

[Tennisrt]

Help on what to do to get motor started before cranking

 

[Jiggz]

This is how I will do it.
1. Dismount LU and replace the impeller and check all the gaskets
2. Change the gear oil in the LU
3. Replace spark plugs
4. Replace Primer bulb and all fuel hoses from the tank all the way to the carbs
5. Install a clear fuel filter between the fuel pump and the carb inlet
6. Replace the diaphragm on the fuel pump and verify check valves are working
7. While plugs are off, spray in fuel oil mix into each cylinder and manually rotate flywheel to lube the cylinders
8. Dismount the carb's bowl and verify the floats are not stuck and the needle valve is actually closing
9. Clean all carbs' jets using carb cleaner
10. Drain all old fuel and replace with new fuel mix
11. Verify the tank vent line is not clogged
12. You definitely need a new battery
13. Check the battery connections make sure they are clean and tight
14. Verify the control throttle is working
15. Verify the tower shaft moves with the control throttle
15. From this point on you are ready to crank it over.

 

[Tennisrt]

Thank you this sounds great. Exactly what I needed to know. The changing of oil in Lu and spark plugs. Curious as to how does that stuff go bad? Do they just become weak from age? Do they sell some type of spray for the oil/gas mixture for the pistons to spray in when spark plugs off? And can I spray carb cleaner in carb bowl and needle as we'll. thanks for the info. This is my Father's Day gift it is time to get boating again. Thanks Jiggz/Commander

 

[Jiggz]

Shelf life for oil, any motor oil for that matter including gear oil is about 5 years. That is oil in sealed container and not exposed to atmosphere or extreme changes in temperatures. Spark plugs exposed to air will oxidized and can even develop verdigris if not in used. Although you can probably clean them up and re-used them, you're probably better off just replacing them to have a clean slate as they don't cost that much. Compare if you have to spend time troubleshooting because you have improperly working plugs. No special oil needed to spray into the cylinders just simple 50:1 fuel mix, the same one you will use for the fuel tank. And yes, you can spray carb cleaner on the carbs.

 

[Tennisrt]

That's great been hard at it. How do I empty the fluid from the lower unit. Will it self drain ? I broke one of the spark plug cables at the tip that connect to the plug. It was all rusted. Can I just get that end part or do I need to order the whole cable assembly for that spark plug number J557hts. Sae
I bought some new spark plugs they should work perfect. Rusted plugs at tips . Can I try to start with just the three plugs ?

 

[Jiggz]

If you mean "at the tip" as the spark plug boot, yes you can just replace the boot. No I do not recommend starting with just 3 plugs. It's a 125HP there should be a drain plug at the very bottom of the "bullet" (gear housing) be careful not to confuse the shift bolt which is on the side of the bottom. If you unscrew this you will have larger problems. Check pics and #44 is what is called the drain plug while item #32 is the gear shift arm. There should be a fill valve just above the bullet.

Word for the wise, if you want to save time you should do all pre-checks correctly. Taking shortcuts will give you a nice easy feeling temporarily until the next problem arises and it's always worse than if you have done it correctly the first time. With boats that is highly expensive both in man hours and parts. Take your time and do it right the first time, every time!

 

[Tennisrt]

Thank you very much I appreciate the information. Today I'm working on fuel lines and other fuel items.

 

[Jiggz]

Great.

 

[Tennisrt]

On the fuel line from the tank to this engine is it 3/8 and would a 6 or 8 ft line be better? It is on a VIP fish and ski with alum tank under the floor . I am out of town from boat so can't measure. Fuel line came with boat. But I want to order
On the fuel diaphragm and water pump gaskets do I need to coat them with gasket solution or lubricant? Thanks for all your help,I'm getting real close. Word for the wise. You were absolutely correct on your procedure.. My new neighbor asked what I was doing and following steps. He applauded. He lost his engine to not changing out his diaphragm and paid expensive carb/engine repair after it had been parked a long time. Thanks.