First boat, new "old" engine, advice please

double_dutch · **Posted:** Sun Aug 26, 2012 9:38 am

Hi Everyone,

I am soon to be a proud owner of a 2004 Four Winns H190 with a 5L Volvo Penta GL-E. This is going to be my first boat and I have a few questions that I would really appreciate any advice on. I have had the boat thoroughly inspected by an independent marine mechanic, completed the water test and had a good look over the trailer too. All looked good and I am just waiting for some paper work.

The boat has only done 21 hours and has hardly been used. It looks brand new and has been undercover its entire life. The mechanics report was very positive only noted issues with lack of use such as the gasket around the thermostat weeping and needed replacing and the carburetor might need to be overhauled. All of which I will get fixed as a condition of sale. I am buying through a dealer and it comes with a 12 months parts and service warranty which puts me a bit more at ease. My questions are:

1. Because it has not been used for a while I have been advised to fill it with premium fuel and on its first drive take it for a cruise at 2,500 - 3,000 RPM or so for 20 minutes. Just to "break it in" once more. Any thoughts on this suggestion? My friend is a mechanical engineer and he doesn't really believe in premium fuel but that is what has been recommended from those in the boating industry.

2. I have heard you can put an additive in the fuel that cleans the carburetor? Is this recommended and if so any brands to recommend and how often should I do this?

3. The boat will have a mixture of salt and fresh water. Mainly around Port Phillip Bay near Melbourne, Australia. When flushing the engine again I have heard of additives to remove salt water, such as Salt Off etc.., is this recommended and again any brands or techniques advised? The engine has its own flush input. I plan on still using the ear muffs though on the shaft but should I also use this flush input?

Lastly, if anyone has any general engine driving or maintenance advice anything would be greatly appreciated. I have been trawling the forums for the last few months and looking to buy a boat for a few years so hopefully it all goes well. The weather is warming up and it will get used a lot over this Australian summer.

This is my first post so forgive me if it is against etiquette at all.
Thanks for your time in advance. I'd post a photo but I don't know how.

Regards,
Matt

ric · **Posted:** Sun Aug 26, 2012 3:37 pm

2004 with 20 hours?? eek!

DO NOT start it until you:
Change engine oil, change outdrive oil, change fuel filter, rebuild carb, drain gas tank dry, change plugs, wires, dist cap. Change all accessory belts, impeller, and inspect and squeeze hard every black water hose on the engine. If you notice any cracks, replace all. Also replace thermostat.

I would also check every wire harness connection for corrosion. Pull every fuse under the dash and clean em.

Buying a 9 year old boat with 20 hours is a lottery ticket. It's never been serviced, ever.

If you're going to ignore everything I said at least PLEASE change the impeller or your next thread will be about how your boat overheated. Also the carb is almost 99% chance gummed up from sitting. Guaranteed. Additives don't clean carbs that have been sitting for years. It will require a rebuild kit to replace the rubber bits that dried out.

97_245_sd · **Posted:** Sun Aug 26, 2012 6:01 pm

I bought a boat that had 60 hours at 12 years old (averaging 5 hours per year) but was kept/serviced at a dealer and had regular maintenance and winterization done every year. It never sat un-used, just used very short periods each week when it was used. I've had no problems other than normal (now 15 years old) boat maintenance. Your experience may be different.

It sounds like it was already taken on a sea trial (in water test) and performed ok. That is a good start. Depending on how old the fuel really is, adding premium would help with extra octane to make up for the old gas that is now not so good. If it is really, really old it is probably worth it to have it drained to start with fresh fuel.

I'd also recommend a new impellor just to be safe. And yes, check all the hoses to make sure they are ok. I'd also recommend the engine and outdrive oil change if it wasn't done in the last year.

I wouldn't go so far as to change all the plugs, wires, dist. cap until you see how it runs. But then I wouldn't go too far out until you know how it runs and get some more time on it to uncover anything that may come up. All those things are good maintenance items and should be done eventually. If it does seem to run rough a carb re-build is probably next.

I add "Sta-bil" to my gas each time I fill up and have had no fuel problems, I'd recommend something similar that is available down there. I have never used any fuel system cleaner.

Welcome and good luck.

double_dutch · **Posted:** Sun Aug 26, 2012 7:03 pm

Thanks for the advice!

I know I was very nervous too and skeptical of the low hours. It has just had a major/first service with fuel filters changed, engine oil is very clean, spark plugs are still factory and look good and everything else runs well. The mechanic I hired spent the entire day on it (cost $585) and checked through everything as you mentioned and was surprisingly happy with it all, except the gasket around the thermostat weeped and he recommended a carby re-build. I'll make sure to get these fixed as a condition of sale and I'll get a new impeller fitted too.

I know it is a massive risk getting a second hand boat anyways but I have done all I can to ensure this is an "honest" boat and I am buying it through a dealer. It comes with a comprehensive 12 months warranty on parts and labour so I will tell the dealer best to replace anything now before it goes wrong later as you have recommended. Otherwise I'll be back bugging him soon.

I am hoping all goes well. Having read some disastrous stories on the forums (particularly with boats with low hours!) I would like to say it all worked out. Time will tell. This boat is just the best fit and although all boats seem to be a compromise this one is close to everything that I had on my checklist. Bowrider that fits 8 people, 5L V8 220HP to comfortably power the boat, swim platform, back to back seating, clip in carpets, CD player, drive on/off trailer, etc...

Thanks again for the advice. I'm picking it up in a few weeks and will make sure that this is all sorted. If anyone has any more comments to my previous three questions be much appreciated. Also if anyone knows an economical cruising speed for the 5L V8 I'd love to know otherwise I'll invest in an oil company.

ric · **Posted:** Sun Aug 26, 2012 7:40 pm

No higher then 3000rpms for cruising.. try to keep it 2800

double_dutch · **Posted:** Sun Aug 26, 2012 7:51 pm

Thanks Ric, will do.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Just figure it is due for all maintenance and have it done....bellows replacement too. I assume these where never changed but they may have been. Same as buying any 8 year old boat. Remember its possible the prior owner kept up with everything....some people enjoy owning and maintaining....I had a Harley that got waxed and cleaned more than ridden.....sold with low hours...may have made 5 trips over 300 miles.

www.iFourWinns.com

First boat, new "old" engine, advice please

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