2007 boat that has been in storage on trailer for last two years. meter shows 96 hours. besides the usual tire flat spots, need to change fluids, filters, grease everything, impeller change, would the lack of use concern you? Would get a mechanical inspection (compression check too), but do these things just bounce right back? Thanks in advance.....

Hi Imartin

There are a number of unknowns in such a situation. Probably the worst thing that could ever happen to an engine is not running for an extended period of time. As a minimum-- and these are not in any particular order:
1. Change all the fluids- and filters
2. I would try to drain as much gasoline from the gas tank as possible- considering how long this boat has sat the fuel that is in there is probably one grade above pure varnish
3. Replace the impeller
4. Disconnect the coil wire after you change the crankcase oil and turn the engine over a few times
5. I would take out all the plugs squirt a very little bit of oil in each cylinder, disconnect the coil and just crank it a few times.
6. Make sure the battery is fully charged.


After this was done I would reconnect the coil put in the plugs and see if it starts.

If it does start I would not under any circumstances rev the engine be on an idle. Let it run for a few minutes, shut it down drain the oil and filter and refill. While the engine is running-- I am an optimist-- I would look for any leaks anywhere in the engine compartment. Another issue that you may have to consider is the condition of the wiring. Having a boat set for that long mice could have easily chewed through wires possibly causing a fire or short.

I couldn't even comment on what would be needed for the out drive but for sure it will need fluid replacing/changing.

If this does get going and you decide to put it on the water I wouldn't venture too far out until I had 100% assurance that this pope was going to run and run relatively reliable.

Wish you all the best

3pointstar

Valve springs? On an unnamed engine i mothballed, i was told to pull the rockers.

3point - very good list.

I'm not too sure on valve springs just yet, 2 years isn't that long for a motor to have sat. You could pull the rocker covers to make sure oil is flowing everywhere it needs to be.

Did a 4 yr sit on trailer job. Drained all fuel. Went thru carburetor. Filled carb before starting. New batteries. Greased everything. Started it and immediately brought to 1500 rpm, just like new EFI cars when below 0 out. If the factories do that to get oil flowing as fast as possible, I do it too. LOL. Many things depend on engine rpm, oil flow and oil splash included.

Your call. We all have different opinions on things like this.

Assuming its a 496,,,, I would put it in the water and go

Thanks guys. Engine is a Merc 525 blue motor.....I suppose a compression test and/or dyno test would tell a lot? +1 to 3pointstar's list. Thank you.