Basic maintenance to consider

chefred112 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2011 3:03 pm **Posts:** 44

Hello All,

I have an 05 190 Horizon with 800 hours on the meter, with 5.0 and SX drive (based on part numbers). My boat has been out of commission for about 8 years because I jacked up the lower hittin a submerged object. Long story short, was told it would cost 6-7k to fix (at the time) so I let it sit... over the years I would casually search for used or refurbed lowers but have had no luck (this was before I really knew it was a VP sx drive.) As luck would have it, the machine shop I get work done on my motors suggested a shop locally so with little expectations, I took the box of all the pieces and outdrive housing to this shop to have him look at it. I get a phone call later saying he can replace all the broken gearing, replace seals, and all other stuff (pressure test etc) and basically get it ready use for $1300... I was shocked as I could not find even refurbed ones lower than 2k. A couple weeks ago I got it back and installed it (he even installed a new gimball bearing as I didn't know that went bad too)... I was actually shocked that she started up with no issues and ran a little rough at first, but after a minute of blowing out all the dirt it was nice and smooth. Considering the gas sat in the tank for 8 years, didn't change the oil (just checked level)..it ran great. I bought an impeller kit to change the impeller.

But my questions are...what does typical yearly maintenance consist of..oil? plug? outdrive fluid change? anything else? My wife is thrilled she's working again as she doesn't really like driving the Malibu.

thanks in advance...Fred

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

Filters-oil and gas-yearly
Oil-motor and drive-yearly
Impeller-yearly salt or two years fresh water
Gas-stabil gray every fill up and stabil pink for winter storage

Your good on gimble for several years...rest is cosmetic on vinly and wax etc. Inspect hoses,you need to make sure bilge pump , blower and attached hoses are in good shape and clear of debris from extended down time. Critters may have stopped them up.

I would get those filters, impeller and motor oil changed asap. Come winter there will be all kinds of postings so stay tuned.

ric · **Posted:** Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:22 am

There are many many ways to get a working out drive for a few hundred bucks. Sorry you had to wait so long.

Oil change every 100 hours (out drive and engine). If its carb rebuild it every 5 years along with bellows and gimble bearing in the drive. New cap/rotor/plug/wires every few years. Impeller every year to be safe. Fuel filter depends if you're running e10 or not. Visually inspect engine every time you use the boat. Look for cracked hoses, belts looking sad, leaks, etc.

Following simple procedures (nobody does) and you'll be a happy boater that never breaks down. If you have to question something and say "ah that should be fine". Its not. Fix it.

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

Oh.....your I/o drive is best stored in lowered position. This will extend life of the bellows which are rubber boots that seal the drive mechanism and exhaust that passes through transem to drive unit....just remember to raise it before towing.

This isn't something you have to worry about on Malibu...really the motor maintenance is same on both boats.

ric · **Posted:** Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:26 am

Oh and don't piss around at full throttle. Maximum cruising rpm no greater than 3800. If you want the engine to last forever never pass 4000rpms.

chefred112 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2011 3:03 pm **Posts:** 44

thanks for the advise guys..I'll keep all that in mind...just excited to have her running again, almost feels like when I first bought her new!!

deafwish · **Posted:** Fri Jun 14, 2013 6:01 pm

I'd really be inspecting your manifolds & risers for corrosion in their water jackets, before you hit the water.
I'd also look at replacing the thermostat. :wink:

vipergg · **Joined:** Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:24 pm **Posts:** 29

Like everyone said , do the oil , lower unit gear lube and the water pump impeller. Check the bellows for cracks and tears . The most expense will come from winterizing it every fall if you don't do it your self . Usually at least $200 at a dealer.

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Basic maintenance to consider

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