got another boat...

[cocacola]

Father in law GAVE us his boat on Monday. He's in his 80's and decided he's done with this. Anyway...completely different than my past boats. An 80's Renken Cuddy Cabin 20'. Unfortunatly, it has an OMC Stringer drive....but all seems to run well. Now to the questions. I am going to change all ignition parts as I am sure my father in law did little to no maintenance. It has a 5.0 Chevrolet with 2bbl carb. I assume everything is Marine grade (plugs, wires, cap and rotor). Where do you get this stuff? Same question for belts and hoses. It's been sitting for 5-6 years, but came to life despite being dirty as hell. Any other tips would be helpful. Bilge is also a mess. It looks like he drained oil direct there. Man this is going to be tough to get clean.

[LaveyT]

I had a uncle that patched the big leaky boot with a piece of rubber and cement. It held for years, outlasted him actually.

[Da Bull]

Like you i hated those OMC Stringer drives. For clean up after sopping up the oil google "Serious Marine Cleaner" for a supplier close to you. Good stuff.

DB

[JohnR]

I've always bought a set of performance automotive wires that you make up yourself. Each one has a spark plug end on it already, the other end you cut to length and put the appropriate end on. Just did a set on a buddy's big block Checkmate. Went with a set of MSD wires that came with the crimping tool in the box and a set of cheap Moroso looms. Made for a really clean install. Does that thing have a points distributor? I'd convert it to electronic or at least replace the points while I was in there. NAPA over here has the AC Delco marine plugs. They may have the cap and rotor as well. For the oil filter I just use an automotive one.

John

[cocacola]

it does have points...a complete surprise for an 80's boat. thanks for the tips on sparkplugs and wires. last night was the first I really got into the engine. basic stuff, but neglected. I like the idea of going electronic ignition. I think my dad used something from Mallory to do that. The plugs were extrememly filthy plus the rotor look beyond usage. It's been sitting for atleast 5 years, so I spray fogging oil in the cylinder. I think a carb rebuild is in order. What do you think of decarbonizing engine BEFORE putting in the new sparkplugs? He just did not maintain it, but never got stranded.

[89LASER]

I always started the engine with the old plugs in it to burn off the fogging fluid and then change them. I would remove the old plugs, inspect, clean them with carb cleaner and re-install them then fire it off. I would also do the same with the fuel/water seperator filter just to see if there was any water present, pour it into a clear container, inspect and re-install. Run the engine, inspect and then put every thing new in.

[cocacola]

thanks. having a heck uva time finding cap, rotor and points (if I don't convert). I assume automotive plug wires (like suggested above) will suffice. The cap is a screw down type and the rotor is pushed on, not screwed. Everything just looks old and worn out on the engine. Oil was medium brown, so I know he must have done some maintenance. old plugs are dirty and carboned up as hell...probably 20-30 years old. same goes for plug wires. part of this carboning could have been a really clogged "air filter/spark arrestor"...running really rich. need to find carb kit for 2bbl carb too.
I always started the engine with the old plugs in it to burn off the fogging fluid and then change them. I would remove the old plugs, inspect, clean them with carb cleaner and re-install them then fire it off. I would also do the same with the fuel/water seperator filter just to see if there was any water present, pour it into a clear container, inspect and re-install. Run the engine, inspect and then put every thing new in.

[cocacola]

I think this will do it for me http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Aqua-Power-Complete-Performance-Marine-Tune-Up-Kit&i=27750&r=view&from=grid