'75 1500 first startup...

[mikevr007]

I say first startup because the motor hasn't been cranked or even turned over by hand in well over a year.
Is there anything I should do before I start it?

[Raceman]

There's probably some foggin' type stuff you could do that wouldn't hurt, but I've always just primed the bulb hard and cranked em up. Are you runnin' good gas, plenty of oil and a good waterpump? I run my inlines at 32:1 now and think it's cheap insurance, with no bad side effects except a little extra smoke. I used to run em at 24:1 before the oil got as good as it is now. Unfortunately the oil got better but the fuel got worse. I even mix a little race gas with mine just to make sure I really got the 92 minimum that I paid for at the pump. How 'bout the oil in the gearcase?

[mikevr007]

Yup...the gas is (will be) fresh, and all applicable services have been done, top to bottom. And...I've searched the forums and made notes of the fuel type (super), timing (21), and oil mix (32:1).
Once I get it back on the boat and get it started, I'm planning on taking it to a old merc mechanic so he can sync the carbs and adjust everything. Can't wait to get it on the water!!!

[capnzee]

Pre-oiling the engine. Probably not necessary, but I would take the plugs out, shoot a little 50:1 type oil in each cylinder and roll the engine over a few times, first by hand, then with the starter. While you are at it, check the spark by holding the plugs tightly against the block and spinning the engine with the starter. You should have spark. If you did not run the engine "dry" since last used, there is a good chance that each of the carburetors are now filled with "varnish" instead of old gas. In this case, they will have to be removed and cleaned. While the carbs are off, shoot a little gas/oil mixture into each of the intake holes and make sure the reeds are not "glued" shut. Don't forget to check the oil in the lower unit, if you don't know how, better learn! capnzee

[Raceman]

Only problem with the runnin' em dry so they don't varnish up theory is, that they don't run dry. They just leave a smaller amount of fuel in the bowls which gels much faster. I've never had carbs gum up after only a year or a little more storage. If that was a problem none of my stuff would run. I'd prime it up with fresh gas and hit the starter. If it doesn't run right, THEN I'd start troubleshooting.

[capnzee]

Hey Raceman, You sound like you know what you are talking about. Lots of ways to skin a cat, different strokes for different folks and a lot of roads to get home on. Capnzee

[mikevr007]

from installing carb kits, fuel pump kit, wiring harness (and other wires not in the harness), and new plugs. I wish I had known to "shoot a little gas/oil mixture into each of the intake holes" though. The carbs seemed kinda wierd in that they were at different levels of maintenance. It looked like they were in a "good enough" condition. They're all the same now!!
I also tore the trim cylinders down and installed kits. One of them was squeaking. Wouldn't you know it was the cylinder that had never been apart. Someone had already put a kit in the other cyl. recently. I haven't drained and refilled the lu yet, but that's next before it goes back on the boat and then on to the merc mechanic for some fine tuning. I'd try it myself, but I don't have a tank. I may build one....dunno.
Thanks for the comments!

[Raceman]

What about the waterpump?????

[mikevr007]

Well....I was going to replace the impeller but.....when I bought the b,m,&t the guy said that the impeller had been replaced recently. So, I said prove it. He started the motor and it peed like a race horse. It started right up too, and it had been sitting there for at least a couple of months.

[capnzee]

I just hate to see a guy spend money when it ain't necessary. If the carbs are clean and they open and close at the same time, and they go all the way open when the engine is in forward and the throttle is pushed all the way open, then your ol'mechanic can't do much more. The jets are fixed so that doesn't leave much to adjust. You may have a synchronization problem with the spark advance and the carbs opening, but if you haven't screwed with it, don't start now, it probably is ok! If your ol'mechanic is a good friend, knows his stuff and isn't going to charge you an "arm and a leg" well, let him look at it if it makes you feel better, otherwise I recommend you take it out and run it! Capnzee

[capnzee]

Hey raceman, Can't help but to comment on your boat. It is a beauty!What is the power and how fast does it go? capnzee

[Dave S]

His boat is held down by cobwebs.:D More so his Twister:eek: SOOO many projects and so less time.:rolleyes: Cars and boats to boot.

[mikevr007]

but, I have had the carbs off, apart, and back together. I did it by the book, but....
I guess I'm just a stickler for it to be right. And I want to make sure I can fire it right up and take off!!