Yes Sir , it is an electric pre 78 I turned the engine by hand , it is not stuck, 10-4 on the cheap oil replacement and spray cyl.lube . I have what I believe is an auto chevy small block starter w/staggerd bolt pattern ,which i would like to use for initial startup , then as you suggested replace w/ marine unit ... but it appears that it doesnt mount correctly ? The bolts line up , but it doesnt fit flush on the bolt flange , and when actuated like that starter gear does not engage flywheel ring gear ? When you say coolant ,you mean fresh water ,correct ? I have the water barrel placed over the water intake above the prop , this should work the same as a set of " Muffs,"is that a correct assumption ? The boat has been in a very Dry arrid climate , and rust corrosion is most often always at a complete minimum on most projects we see here , very unlike some coastal regions ,i'm in GODS counttry WYOMING , so we get to boat for all 4 weeks of summer , haha,give or take a few days when it would pay to have a sailboat [ dare i say that to a powerboater ? } Thanks for your continued help BB