Boat sat for 8 years. Help!
 

I moved away from my boat 8 years ago and 3 kids later I want to get her back in the water.

I winterized the boat after I last used it. I just bought a newly rebuilt outdrive and had it installed.

What else do I need to do before I try to start it (besides chaning the fuel)?

Thanks for the help!!!

If it were me I would change the oil and filter and, like you said, the fuel. Then I would remove the spark plugs, spray a light penetrating oil in the cylinders and crank it over awhile. Then I'd put in new sparks and gently fire it up. Do not rev it right away, better to let it stall a few times while everything gets oiled up first. Then gradually rev it up and see how she runs.

I would be looking closely at all rubber, bellows hoses impellor etc, may need to do the carb, get some good vinyl conditioner for the interior, drain the tank completely, do the fuel filter. once you get it running, warm it up at low revs like mentioned change the oil and filter. any electrical gremlins that pop up are probably bad connections. after sitting that long I think I would actually do the bellows, even if they looked good just for peace of mind.

Pull the distrbutor and prime the engine...
 

using a priming shaft on a drill.

A little overkill, but worth the effort in my opinion.

I am having one installed right now that sat for 15 years, definitely going to be primed.

Edit...I assume it's a Inboard/outboard of some type. If not, disregard.

Scott

All the above !!!!:party-smiley-004:

Thanks for the info. The boat does have an I/O (4.3L Merc).

I assume priming the engine helps to lube everything up?

Good advice from everyone. You may have carb problems from sitting so long. Replace oil, lube, cap, rotor, plug wires, plugs, fuel filter, clean air filter, new fuel. Be sure you prime the pump like suggested. You may need to replace the fuel filter a couple more times if you do not get all the cediment out of the tank when you empty it. If you have a points style distributor replace the points and condenser. Good Luck!!

Dry starts are very hard on berrings.