Just purchased a 1979 O'Day 28 with OMC Saildrive. Was rebuilt in 09, but on the hard since fall of 2012. Made the sale contingent on it working. I assume I can start it on the hard by supplying a running hose of water to the water intake. Anything else I should worry about?
OMC Saildrive; starting on the hard
- Thread starter Wmaraines
- Start date
You've taken care of the engine requirements and I presume the saildrive has a mechanical seal. When you run the engine, be sure that the prop doesn't turn or you will damage the seal.
Um, I'm not sure about a saildrive unit but with my inboard engine you do NOT attach a pressurized hose to the cooling water hose. This can be a good way to fill the cylinders with water, especially if the engine is difficult to start.
Instead, I use a 5 gallon bucket to hold the water, place the intake hose (or extension) into the bucket and allow the water pump to pull all the water it wants.
As mentioned above, only run the engine in Neutral on the hard.
Instead, I use a 5 gallon bucket to hold the water, place the intake hose (or extension) into the bucket and allow the water pump to pull all the water it wants.
As mentioned above, only run the engine in Neutral on the hard.
So, we tried to start the engine, with no luck. It cranks nicely, but there is no spark, proven by the little gizmo thing the mechanic had that showed the spark gap. So, either it is the coil, the little electronic control or, assuming there is a distributor, the distributor. There is a distributor, right??
The owner OK'd ordering some parts, though I don't know what parts. I'll keep you posted.
Hey, Bilge Pump??? I have one, but the water that leaked in around the mast boot, was not "automatically" flushed out by bilge pump. I assume, that if the batteries were low or not charged, that would be normal?
So, the mechanic replaced the ignition switch and the electronic control and ................................................ IT STARTED!!!! Looks good, water and exhaust coming out as it should, apparently, so, we Bought the boat. Would you belive, the mechanic used some of his own fuel to start it, and forgot to turn "on" the fuel flow valve. LOL.