Three years ago I pulled the boat for some "easy" maintenance. I discovered delamination of the bowsprit and other issues that have taken time to correct. Additionally I have been off shore for much of the time (Africa, Argentina). The engine was NOT inhibited. I always felt that it would be back in the water in no time, oh well, time marches on. What procedures should I use to service the engine for a restart in about two to three months. How much trouble my I be in?
Are you in an area that freezes in winter? This will affect my answer.
I would certainly start with fresh fuel and fuel filters. Also change the anti-freeze at it has possibly lost it's anti-corrosive qualities by now. Fit a new raw water pump impeller as the old one will have taken a "set" and may disintegrate on starting. Make sure that the oil level is correct and that the batteries are charged. Remove the air filter housing so that you just have the intake manifold showing. Have a piece of plywood (at least 3/8" thick) ready (about 4"x4").
If everything goes well, the engine will start just fine and settle to a good idle. Slowly increase the RPM through the rev range and then decrease the RPM back to just over idle speed. If this works as it should, let the engine warm up and then change the engine oil and filter and transmission oil after you have shut it down and re-fit the air filter housing.
If the engine decides to rev up and run on it's own at high speed, use the piece of plywood to block the air intake on the manifold. This will shut the engine down. (DO NOT PUT YOUR HAND OVER THE INTAKE!). This scary situation will be caused by some rust specs on the rack of the injection pump which will stop the rack from moving and thus you cannot control the engine revs. The fuel shut off solenoid will have no effect in this case which is why you need the plywood. This happens very rarely but if you are in an area where there are big temperature changes over the period of years, you must take the precaution. Once the engine has been shut down, the injection pump will need to be removed and taken to a fuel injection service center.
Thank you for such a rapid reply, I tell everyone about the outstanding support that is provided by you at Beta Marine, Way to go! The boat is in a yard in Pensacola Florida. During the three year period we received a very few days of close or at freezing temps. I think that this last year we may have had 2-3 "freeze warnings". Since the boat is close to the water the temps are moderated somewhat. We have however had a very rainy spring much like last year and now it is warming up. I am amazed at how much work I am facing to get her ready for the water, a lot can happen in a three year hiatus.
