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Micksan

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About a month ago we purchased a 1986 gibson houseboat that has twin Crusader 220s. I mail ordered in a manual and IPB. I have been pulling wrenches on motorcycles and pickup trucks for more than a few years. The marine world is new to me . Not affraid but figure it is easier to ask questions now rather than after I am elbow deep.
One of the engines runs like a top, the other turns over , but will not fire off . Even with start fluid. I had the Carb rebuilt. He said there was a bunch of crap & water in it. Turned the engine over and had the gas line go into a jug. Got about a quart of water . The boat was out in a pasture for two years. on stands. Never started.
I am going to pull some compression tests this week. I figure the head may need to be pulled to rework the valves. Hoping the rings are good. Pulling the engine would not be a pretty sight .
I heard the engine is nothing more that a 350cc, and that I can get the parts at NAPA. This true ???
Thanks in Advance
Russ in OKC
 
You can get a lot of your parts at Napa but make sure you go with the marine parts when it comes to things like starters, fuel pumps, Carb's, altenators. The electrical parts are spark proof for lack od a better description and the fuel pump has double diaframs. Good luck with your prject.
 
Russ, you do not mention which engine this is... Port or Stbd????
If one is a counter-rotating engine, the build requires some special attention in certain areas.

Perhaps a bit more information.... including whether these are open or closed cooling systems.

.
 
Welcome aboard Russ!

I think you will find the 220's are build off a 305CID small block.

If you got that much water out of the fuel, I'd suspect you have separate fuel tanks for each engine. I'd pump the one with water to make sure it has none left in it and check the other tank to make sure it is clean. The o-ring on the deck filler caps should be checked - they are a common maintenance item.

Like missnancy suggests, certain items are modified for marine use. Using the auto versions (not USCG-approved type parts) is not only as safety concern, it is likely to void any insurance.

You can find the model/serial numbers on a plate on the back of the engine, where the gear mates with the flywheel cover...good info to have.

As with any engine, you will need compression, spark and fuel to get it to run.

One unique marine thing - these engines have a raw water pump to cool them. It is driven off one of the fan belts (usually the outer belt). These pumps need water supplied to them when spinning or they will need rebuilds (the impellers don't like 'dry conditions' when spinning). If the boat is still out of the water, I'd disconnect the belt to minimize issues hurting the pump, until it goes back in the water. If the boat has been sitting that long, those pumps are probably due to be overhauled.
 
Hey Russ...

The word "motorcycle" grabbed my attention. Frankly, I was never much of a v-8 guy but I could beat the pants off of any vintage bike engine builders

There are guys on these boards that have helped me go from start to finish in some huge neglected engine jobs on our boat. It has been 5 years and where I was once intimidated to be 100 yards from the dock, the last few years we routinely run 30 miles offshore.

You have made in important step here. Any support I can lend, say so.. WELCOME AL
 
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