first time cranking the engine this year

[imjusthereforthefood]

Haven't taken it out since July last year. Just curious how you guys go about taking it out for the first time each season.. 87 PS 190, 1000 hours(only put 30 hours on it last summer). will change oil end of this season.

Going to take some starter fluid with me. Battery has been on a slow 2A charge for the last few days. Any tips for taking this thing out first time this year? I bought it last year ready to put in the water so this will be my first time cranking it after season.

[jamisonsbrodie]

Here is what I do: I turn the key, pump the throttle and let her rip!!! No seriously, there isn't anything special to do. Assuming that there was stabil in the fuel, or new fuel recently you should be good to go.

[mzimme]

I'd start it in your driveway before you head to the ramp....

[thatsmrmastercraft]

I'd start it in your driveway before you head to the ramp....

Good advice. If not, doing it on a weekday with a ramp with multiple launches so you don't tie up the only way in or out.

[madcityskier]

In neutral drop the throttle to full, come half way back up. This will set the choke. Let 'er rip.

[Fletchx7]

I always start in the driveway first after I have changed the impeller, charged the batt, and checked my hoses, connections, etc. Then I let her run up to temp....or long enough to drink a beer or two The one year I didn't, I had a hose come off and spray water everywhere because I missed one clamp. Just peace of mind I guess, but I'd rather fix something in the driveway if I have to...and gives me another reason to play with boat

[imjusthereforthefood]

well it's a private ramp a few miles down the road. just for the test run. it has a half tank from last summer, i'll probably fill it up to be safe.

i can't remember if i filled it up with ethanol free or not last time, will it be an issue if i mix the two?

[mzimme]

I'd try to fill it with ethanol free regardless.

Also, if it's been sitting I'd still hook it up to a hose. That impeller might get torn up if you don't get it wet in there beforehand. Just starting from the water will still give it a slightly dry start, and if it's been sitting a while that imeller could be sticking to the housing walls.

Sticking a garden hose in your water intake hose will help eliminate this problem since you're forcing water toward the impeller.

[sleeporbutter]

+1 for starting it before you get there. I do that every time I go out. I wouldn't let the oil go past 50 hours of use, so if you're 30 hours into it already you will want to change it soon, and how is that tranny fluid? Check the impeller... it can ruin your day.

[imjusthereforthefood]

i can't connect a hose to the bottom because there's a grate covering it... any other suggestions?

[imjusthereforthefood]

also, i should be ok starting it up for a few seconds even without a hose being hooked up?

[mtajpa]

also, i should be ok starting it up for a few seconds even without a hose being hooked up?

NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even running for a short time with out water will destroy the impeller. Just hook up the hose or get the bucket out.

[sleeporbutter]

If you are just a few miles away from the ramp and you don't have a fake-a-lake or bucket setup, just tow it down there. I start mine at home mainly because I am 45 minutes away from the lake and that is just a long drive home if you didn't get to ski.

[Fletchx7]

i can't connect a hose to the bottom because there's a grate covering it... any other suggestions?

I made my own fake-a-lake. I took a cheap hose connection from Lowe's and added some water pump hose from Autozone with hose clamps. Then I connect one end to the raw water intake on the impeller and the other end to a garden hose. Turn it on and listen for the water to fill in the block and then start it. I'll take a picture of it tonight since I don't remember the exact sizes of hose that I used. Someone else on here may have a similar set up.

[mzimme]

i can't connect a hose to the bottom because there's a grate covering it... any other suggestions?

Open the engine hatch and unhook the raw water intake hose. Stick the garden hose into the end of the hose you just unhooked, and clamp the hose down onto the garden hose. Turn on the hose, wait for water to come out the exhaust, then start it up.