www.iFourWinns.com

Hey all,

I've just bought a 1997 Horizon RS from LA, with a VP 5.7GL I/O and am getting it imported to me in Melbourne, Australia.
I like to think I have OCD when it comes to maintenance & reliability & would love some ideas on what I need to inspect/ perform first.
Allegedly, the boat has been regularly serviced but I'd prefer to start from scratch.
I'm competent with most external servicable items, but if it comes to removing heads or outdrives, I may get a Professional to do this.
How is this looking for a priority list and is there anything critical I'm missing?

1. Oil & oil filter change
2. Drain old fuel & re-fill with fresh fuel & fuel/ carby system cleaner (Spitfire or similar?)
3. Replace fuel filter/ water seperator
3. Leg oil change
4. Inspect/ replace impeller
5. Inspect/ replace Thermostat
6. Inspect/ replace bellows
7. Remove carb' and thoroughly clean with aerosol carb'y cleaner

Cheers

Daz.

_________________
2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

˙03$ ǝʞıl ǝɹ,ʎǝɥʇ ˙ʇı ʇɐ ǝɹ,noʎ ǝlıɥʍ ʇıʞ plınqǝɹ qɹɐɔ ɐ ʇǝƃ ʇsnɾ ʇnq 'pooƃ spunos

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

First - do you have any documentation of anything that has been done on the boat? For example, if the bellows were just replaced last year and they are not leaking there is little reason to pull the outdrive to change them. IF, however, you are going to pull the outdrive I would add the following:

Check gimble bearing and replace if necessary
Check u-joints and replace if necessary
Align outdrive and engine

You also did not mention anything about the risers/manifolds. If these have an unknown history you will definably want to check them out by pulling the risers off the manifolds and see if significant rust has built up (have replacement gaskets available when you do). This is especially important if the boat has been salty. Replace if needed. This is the first thing I did when I bought my 98' - after pulling them I was REALLY glad I did.

Personally I don't see the need to pull the carb unless it gives you issues, and if this is the case just get it rebuilt (not too expensive). The rest looks pretty good.

Thanks for the responses, fellas.
I've been advised that the leg will be pulled for transport, so I'll get them to inspect the gimbal, alignment and bellows while they're at it!
Where can I download a Service Manual for this egine/ drive configuration or will VP try sell me one?!

_________________
2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

Once you have the model/serial number of the engine you can download the manual from the VP website directly.

If you need the full "factory manual" they are available on iboats.com if you ask nicely. Again, each manual is independent to your engine model/SN so without that you won't know what you are looking for.

After having my Mechanic look over the boat, it needed the following doing:

New gimbal bearing
New Bellows
New shift cable
New Manifolds & risers
New Impeller.

I've given the go-ahead on all the above, other than the manifolds & risers - as this is almost $2000 (fitted) for genuine VP gear!
There's many aftermarket options in the USA for manifolds & risers, but the cost of shipping them to Australia makes this not much cheaper than Genuine VP gear.
Any Aussies have any cost effective yet reliable alternatives to genuine VP manifolds, risers & gaskets?
I'm thinking it's a pretty easy job to fit these at home?

Daz.

_________________
2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS